Question

Is it possible to factor `y=x^5+2x^4+x^3`? If so, what are the factors?

Answer 1

Yes. Factors are `x` and `(x+1)`

Explanation:

First extract the common factor of `x^3`
`y = x^3(x^2 +2x +1)`
Then use the fact that `(x+a)(x+b)` gives `(x^2 +(a +b)x + ab)` to find the values of a and b.
`y = x^3(x+1)^2`