Factor 12x^2-18x-12

Problem

12*x2−18*x−12

Solution

1. Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from all three terms, which is 6

6*(2*x2−3*x−2)

2. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression inside the parentheses, a*x2+b*x+c where a=2 b=−3 and c=−2

a⋅c=2⋅(−2)=−4

3. Find two numbers that multiply to −4 and add to −3 These numbers are −4 and 1

−4⋅1=−4

−4+1=−3

4. Split the middle term −3*x using the numbers found in the previous step.

6*(2*x2−4*x+x−2)

5. Factor by grouping the terms inside the parentheses.

6*((2*x2−4*x)+(x−2))

6*(2*x*(x−2)+1*(x−2))

6. Factor out the common binomial (x−2)

6*(2*x+1)*(x−2)

Final Answer

12*x2−18*x−12=6*(2*x+1)*(x−2)

Want more problems? Check here!