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What is the greatest common factor of the terms in the polynomial
12x4 - 6x2 + 9x2

User Xesued
by
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1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:


3x^2

Explanation:


12x^4-6x^2+9x^2

Let's break down these terms into three parts; our number, our base (variable), and our power (exponent).

First, let's think of a number that could be factored out of the numbers 12, 6, and 9. If you're thinking of the number 3, you'd be correct.

Second, look at the bases. We can see that the variables in these terms are all
x, so we can combine that with our number 3.

Third, look at the powers. We can see that the exponent of 2 can be factored out, so let's combine that with our 3x:


3x^2

To put that in perspective:


3x^2(4x^2-2+3)

_

To check your work, you can distribute the greatest common factor into the parentheses:


3x^2(4x^2-2+3)


12x^4-6x^2+9x^2

User Derevo
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