describe the steps you would use to factor 2x^3 + 5x^2 - 8x - 20 completely. then state the factored form.
describe the steps you would use to factor 2x^3 + 5x^2 - 8x - 20 completely. then state the factored form.
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Group the terms
$(2x^{3}+5x^{2})+(-8x - 20)$
Step2: Factor out GCF from each group
$x^{2}(2x + 5)-4(2x + 5)$
Step3: Factor out the common binomial factor
$(2x + 5)(x^{2}-4)$
Step4: Factor the difference - of - squares
$(2x + 5)(x + 2)(x - 2)$
Answer:
$(2x + 5)(x + 2)(x - 2)$