Factor 18x^2-2

Problem

18*x2−2

Solution

1. Factor out the greatest common factor, which is 2

2*(9*x2−1)

2. Identify the expression inside the parentheses as a difference of squares, which follows the pattern a2−b2=(a−b)*(a+b)

9*x2−1=(3*x)2−(1)2

3. Apply the formula for the difference of squares where a=3*x and b=1

(3*x−1)*(3*x+1)

4. Combine the common factor with the binomial factors to reach the final factored form.

2*(3*x−1)*(3*x+1)

Final Answer

18*x2−2=2*(3*x−1)*(3*x+1)

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