Question

Factor. Look for a GCF first.

X^3+2x^2-48x

Answer 1

x(x - 6)(x + 8)

Explanation:

First, the GCF of these 3 terms is x.

So to separate x from this it now becomes x(x^2 + 2x - 48).

Now to factor the expression inside the parentheses easily I use "a" and "b" to make it easier.

a + b = 2 (from 2x)

a * b = -48 (from third term of expression)

a = -6, b = 8

Substitute "a" and "b" and I get: x(x - 6)(x + 8)