Question

How to factor 6x^2-48x-120

Answer 1

Hello there!

Simply find a common term that they all have!

So they can all be divided by 6, right? So let's take a 6 out.

6 (x^2-8x-20)

Now factor the terms in the parenthesis!

6 (x-10) (x-2)

^ This is NOT your answer!!

Tip: When looking at (x^2-8x-20), look at the middle term. (-8x). Since it's negative, either (x-10) or (x-2) can be negative.

Which one is negative? Well, is the 8 positive or negative? Since the 8 is negative, the parenthesis bigger number (x-10) will be negative!

So it'll be:

6 (x-10) (x+2)

ALWAYS double check your answer by foiling! :)

Hope this helped!

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