Thread: Factoring complex trinomials

6x^2+6^x-12

I get an answer that works of (6x-6)(x+2) but the book says
(2x+4)(3x-3). What do I have to do to match the book or what did I do wrong?

Originally Posted by Capnzims

6x^2+6^x-12

I get an answer that works of (6x-6)(x+2) but the book says
(2x+4)(3x-3). What do I have to do to match the book or what did I do wrong?

So factor the 6 outside?

yes

Apply the 2 to the first () and the 3 to the next ()? Can I always factor like that first before working the problem on trinomials?

yes

Originally Posted by Capnzims

6x^2+6^x-12

I get an answer that works of (6x-6)(x+2) but the book says
(2x+4)(3x-3). What do I have to do to match the book or what did I do wrong?

Hi Capnzims,

When asked to factor a polynomial that has a common factor over all terms, you should always factor that out first. Then, factor the remaining polynomial, if possible.



You wouldn't use because there are common factors in each binomial.

Now, do you understand that 6(x- 1)(x+ 2)= (6x- 6)(x+2)= (2x+ 4)(3x- 3)?

If you multiply the "6" into x- 1, you get (6x- 6)(x+ 2). If, instead, you factor 6 into (2)(3), multiply the "3" into (x- 1) and the "2" into x+ 2, you get (2x+ 4)(3x- 3).