Question

question
factor completely.
$2x^3 + 5x^2 - 18x - 45$
answer

Explanation:

Step1: Group terms

Group the first two terms and the last two terms: $(2x^3 + 5x^2) + (-18x - 45)$

Step2: Factor out GCF from each group

Factor out $x^2$ from the first group and $-9$ from the second group: $x^2(2x + 5) - 9(2x + 5)$

Step3: Factor out common binomial

Factor out $(2x + 5)$: $(2x + 5)(x^2 - 9)$

Step4: Factor difference of squares

Factor $x^2 - 9$ as a difference of squares: $(2x + 5)(x - 3)(x + 3)$

Answer:

$(2x + 5)(x - 3)(x + 3)$