how would you factor this... (1 Viewer)

[mgk5026]

x^3 + 5(x^2) + 3x - 9

the answer is supposed to be (x-1) (x+3)^3

does any one know how to get to this answer?

 

[ssglain]

Are you sure you've got the right question there? I don't think it's possible to start off with a cubic and end up with something that will clearly expand into a 4th degree polynomial.

 

[Foxodi]

Pretty much what Iruka said. Just check for one factor i.e. f(a) = 0, then do long division of the function, dividing it by (x-a), and take it from there ^^.