Question

Part A: Factor 5x2b2 + 14xb2 − 3b2. Show your work. (4 points) Part B: Factor x2 − 18x + 81. Show your work. (3 points) Part C: Factor x2 − 121. Show your work. (3 points) (10 points)

Answer 1

Part A is accomplished by first factoring out the b^2 to get$b^{2} (5 x^{2} +14x-3)$.  Factor that completely using the quadratic formula to get $b^{2} (x+3)(5x-1)$.  Part B is done entirely with the quadratic formula (only cuz that's the easiest way to factor a second degree polynomial!) to get (x-9)(x-9) or (x-9) multiplicity 2.  Part C is done by taking roots.  Keep in mind that since this is a second degree polynomial you will have 2 solutions. $x^{2} -121=0$, therefore, $x^{2} =121$ and $x=+/- \sqrt{121}$ which is +11 and -11.  And you're done! Factoring is very important...make sure you learn it and learn it well!!!