Math Problem Statement

Factorise 3x^3y - 12x^2yz + 12xyz^2

Solution

The given expression to factorise is:

3x3y12x2yz+12xyz23x^3y - 12x^2yz + 12xyz^2

Step 1: Identify the common factor

Each term has a common factor of 3xy3xy. Let's factor that out:

3xy(x24xz+4z2)3xy(x^2 - 4xz + 4z^2)

Step 2: Factor the quadratic inside the parentheses

The quadratic expression x24xz+4z2x^2 - 4xz + 4z^2 is a perfect square trinomial. It can be rewritten as:

x24xz+4z2=(x2z)2x^2 - 4xz + 4z^2 = (x - 2z)^2

Step 3: Write the final factorised form

Now, substitute this back into the expression:

3xy(x2z)23xy(x - 2z)^2

So, the completely factorised form is:

3xy(x2z)2\boxed{3xy(x - 2z)^2}


Would you like more details on any step or clarification?

Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the process to identify common factors in polynomials?
  2. How do you recognize perfect square trinomials?
  3. Can all quadratic expressions be factorised into squares?
  4. What happens if a term has no common factors?
  5. How do we verify that a factorisation is correct?

Tip: Always check for common factors first before trying other factorisation techniques, as it simplifies the process.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Polynomial Factorization
Perfect Square Trinomials

Formulas

Factoring out common terms
Perfect square trinomial formula: a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = (a - b)^2

Theorems

Factorization Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11