Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factoring by Grouping
Factoring by grouping is a method used to factor polynomials with four or more terms. This technique involves rearranging the terms into two groups, factoring out the common factors from each group, and then factoring out the common binomial factor. It is particularly useful when the polynomial does not have a straightforward factorization.
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Polynomial Terms
A polynomial is an algebraic expression that consists of variables raised to non-negative integer powers and coefficients. In the given expression, the terms are x³, -3x², 4x, and -12. Understanding how to identify and manipulate these terms is crucial for effective factoring and simplification.
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Common Factors
Common factors are numbers or expressions that divide two or more terms without leaving a remainder. In the context of factoring by grouping, identifying the common factors in each group of terms allows for the extraction of these factors, simplifying the polynomial into a product of simpler expressions. Recognizing these factors is essential for successful factorization.
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