Factor out the GCF from the terms of the polynomial-2x^5-6x^3-16x^2
Mathematics · Middle School · Mon Jan 18 2021
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Given the polynomial:
-2x^5-6x^3-16x^2
Factor out the Greatest Common Factor.
Solution:
In order to determine the greatest common factor, we simply need to list all the factors of 2, 6, and 16.
Factors of 2.
1 and 2
Factors of 6.
1, 2, 3, and 6
Factors of 16.
1, 2, 4, 8, and 16
It can be seen that the greatest common factor is 2. In the case of the term x, we simply take the term x, with the lowest degree or exponent. In this case we can factor out x^2 and 2, or 2x^2
Greatest Common Factor = 2x^2
= -2x^5-6x^3-16x^2
= 2x^2(-x^3 = 3x - 8)
Final answer:
= 2x^2(-x^3 = 3x - 8)