Question

question
factor completely.
9x³ - 36x² - 4x + 16
answer attempt 1 out of 2
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Explanation:

Step1: Group terms

Group the first two terms and the last two terms: $(9x^3 - 36x^2) + (-4x + 16)$

Step2: Factor out GCF from groups

Factor out $9x^2$ from the first group and $-4$ from the second group: $9x^2(x - 4) - 4(x - 4)$

Step3: Factor out common binomial

Factor out $(x - 4)$: $(x - 4)(9x^2 - 4)$

Step4: Factor difference of squares

Notice that $9x^2 - 4$ is a difference of squares, so factor it as $(3x - 2)(3x + 2)$

Step5: Combine factors

The completely factored form is $(x - 4)(3x - 2)(3x + 2)$

Answer:

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