Question

The volume of a rectangular prism is given by the expression 2x^4+2x^3-4x^2-4x. Write the volume as the product its dimensions. Remember, V = lwh.

Answer 1

Answer:  2x(x^2-2)(x+1)

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Explanation:

First factor out the GCF 2x

2x^4+2x^3-4x^2-4x

2x*x^3+2x*x^2-2x*2x-2x*2

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

Then let's factor the expression inside the parenthesis using the factor by grouping method

x^3 + x^2 - 2x - 2

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

x^2(x + 1) - 2(x + 1)

(x^2 - 2)(x+1)

We see that x^3 + x^2 - 2x - 2 factors to (x^2-2)(x+1)

Overall, the original expression fully factors to 2x(x^2-2)(x+1)

length = 2x

width = x^2-2

height = x+1

The order of length, width, and height doesn't matter.