how to factor this? please help me

Question

Factor the polynomial completely.

3x³+12xy²

Answer 1

3x³ - 12xy²

 

To find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF), do a "prime factorization" of 3x³ and 12xy²:

 

     3x³ = 3*x*x*x

     12xy² = 3*2*2*x*y*y

 

Both terms have a 3*x in common, so the GCF = 3x.  When you factor 3x out of 3x³ you're left with x*x=x².  When you factor 3x out of 12xy², you're left with 2*2*y*y = 4y²

 

     3x(x² + 4y²)