2x^2-12x-32

Question

I am supposed to factor the polynomial using any method of my choice

Answer 1

2x² - 12x - 32

 

Note that each tem in the equation is factorable by 2 so

divide a 2 out of each term...

 

2x²-12x-32 = 2(x²-6x-16)

 

Now look at the x²-6x-16

To factor this we need to find factors of -16 that add to -6

That would be (-8)(2) so

x²-6x-16 = (x-8)(x+2)

 

2x²-12x-32 = 2(x²-6x-16) = 2(x-8)(x+2)

Answer 2

2(x-8)(x+2)