Question

Complete the steps to factor the polynomial by grouping. P(x) = x^3 + 5x^2 -x - 5

Answer 1

To solve by grouping, we look for a pattern of the coefficients of the polynomial:
+1 +5 -1 -5
=> +(1+5) - (1+5)

Therefore we have found the grouping required, as follows:

P(x) = x^3 + 5x^2 -x - 5
=x^2 ( x+5) - (x+5)
=(x^1-1)(x+5)
=(x+1)(x-1)(x+5)