Factor 3x^2-3x-18

Problem

3*x2−3*x−18

Solution

1. Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from all three terms, which is 3

3*(x2−x−6)

2. Identify the coefficients of the quadratic expression inside the parentheses, x2+b*x+c where b=−1 and c=−6

b=−1

c=−6

3. Find two numbers that multiply to c (−6 and add to b (−1.

−3⋅2=−6

−3+2=−1

4. Rewrite the quadratic using these two numbers as the constants in the binomial factors.

3*(x−3)*(x+2)

Final Answer

3*x2−3*x−18=3*(x−3)*(x+2)

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