Question

factor $x^3 + 4x^2 - x - 4$ completely.
$x^3 + 4x^2 - x - 4 = \square$

Explanation:

Step1: Group terms for factoring

$x^3 + 4x^2 - x - 4 = (x^3 + 4x^2) + (-x - 4)$

Step2: Factor out GCF from each group

$= x^2(x + 4) - 1(x + 4)$

Step3: Factor out common binomial

$= (x^2 - 1)(x + 4)$

Step4: Factor difference of squares

$= (x - 1)(x + 1)(x + 4)$

Answer:

$(x - 1)(x + 1)(x + 4)$