Is it possible to factor y=3x3+8x2+3x2? If so, what are the factors?

1 Answer
Feb 12, 2016

3x3+8x2+3x2=(x+1)(3x1)(x+2)

Explanation:

Let f(x)=3x3+8x2+3x2

First notice that f(1)=3+832=0, so x=1 is a zero and (x+1) is a factor:

y=3x3+8x2+3x2=(x+1)(3x2+5x2)

We can factor the remaining quadratic by grouping, with the help of an AC Method.

Look for a pair of factors of AC=32=6 which differ by B=5. The pair 6,1 works, so use that to split the middle term before factoring by grouping:

3x2+5x2

=3x2+6xx2

=(3x2+6x)(x+2)

=3x(x+2)1(x+2)

=(3x1)(x+2)

Putting it all together:

3x3+8x2+3x2=(x+1)(3x1)(x+2)