Math Problem Statement

Simplify and factor the expressions 3x^3 - x^2 + x and 2ax^2 + 2axy - 3bxy - 3bx^2.

Solution

Let's analyze and simplify the expressions from the image:

Expression 3:
3x3x2+x3x^3 - x^2 + x

This expression is already in its simplest form and can't be factored further using standard factoring techniques. It's a cubic polynomial with terms 3x33x^3, x2-x^2, and +x+x.

Expression 4:
2ax2+2axy3bxy3bx22ax^2 + 2axy - 3bxy - 3bx^2

Here we can simplify by grouping like terms:

  1. Group the terms with x2x^2 and xyxy together: (2ax23bx2)+(2axy3bxy)(2ax^2 - 3bx^2) + (2axy - 3bxy)

  2. Factor out common terms: x2(2a3b)+xy(2a3b)x^2(2a - 3b) + xy(2a - 3b)

  3. Notice that both terms have a common factor of (2a3b)(2a - 3b), so we can factor it out: (2a3b)(x2+xy)(2a - 3b)(x^2 + xy)

Thus, the factored form of expression 4 is: (2a3b)(x2+xy)(2a - 3b)(x^2 + xy)

Would you like further details on these steps or have any questions?

Here are 5 questions for further exploration:

  1. How can we determine whether a cubic polynomial can be factored?
  2. What are the conditions for grouping terms in polynomials?
  3. Can this approach be used for higher-degree polynomials as well?
  4. What is the significance of factoring in solving algebraic equations?
  5. How does factoring help in graphing polynomial functions?

Tip: When factoring, always look for common terms or patterns such as difference of squares or perfect square trinomials to simplify expressions efficiently.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Polynomials
Factoring

Formulas

Polynomial factoring
Common factor method

Theorems

Distributive property
Factoring by grouping

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12