## Having trouble factoring this expression...

Simplificatation, evaluation, linear equations, linear graphs, linear inequalities, basic word problems, etc.

### Having trouble factoring this expression...

I am trying to review through self-study, but am having difficulty factoring this expression (despite having some help).

The Expression:
2x^2(x+3) + 4x(x+3)^2

Their method of factoring is as follows:
2x(x+3)[x+2(x+3)]
= 2x(x+3)(3x+6)
= 2x(x+3)3(x+2)
= 6x(x+3)(x+2)

Any suggestions or links I can follow? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
ReviewStudent

Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:09 pm

ReviewStudent wrote:The Expression:
2x^2(x+3) + 4x(x+3)^2

Their method of factoring is as follows:
2x(x+3)[x+2(x+3)]
= 2x(x+3)(3x+6)
= 2x(x+3)3(x+2)
= 6x(x+3)(x+2)

If what you've posted is the complete worked solution, then I'd say it's no wonder you're confused! After the initial expression, they should have provided the first step in the solution:

. . . . .$2x(x\, +\, 3)(x)\, +\, 2x(x\, +\, 3)(2)(x\, +\, 3)$

Between the first and second line in their solution, they probably should have shown the step were the 2 inside the square brackets is multiplied through the x + 3, so the simplification inside the square brackets makes more sense. After that, though, they've pretty much shown what's needed.

stapel_eliz

Posts: 1715
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:22 pm

### Re: Having trouble factoring this expression...

Oh, thanks . It makes sense now, haha.
ReviewStudent

Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 11:09 pm