Question

Is it possible to factor `y=x^3 - 2x^2 + 3x -6`? If so, what are the factors?

Answer 1

`(x-2)(x^2+3)`

Explanation:

Group the terms in 'pairs' thus

`[x^3-2x^2]+[3x-6]`

now factorise each 'pair'

`x^2(x-2)+3(x-2)`

A common factor of (x -2) can now be removed

`rArr(x-2)(x^2+3)`