Question

Can I get some help

Answer 1

Given:

The expression is

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

The steps are given.

To find:

The mistake in her steps.

Solution:

We have,

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

The correct steps are shown below.

Step 1: Taking out x as common factor.

$=x(2x^3+2x^2-x-1)$

Step 2: Now, taking out 2x² as common factor from first two terms (first group of terms) and -1 form last two terms (second group of terms) in the parentheses.

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

Step 3: Taking out (x+1) as common factor.

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

She incorrectly factored -1 from the second group of terms.

Therefore, the correct option is B.