Factor by first looking for a greatest common factor. 16x²2-36 16x²-36= 4(2x + 3) (2x - 3)

Trigonometry (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134217437
Author:Margaret L. Lial, John Hornsby, David I. Schneider, Callie Daniels
Publisher:Margaret L. Lial, John Hornsby, David I. Schneider, Callie Daniels
Chapter1: Trigonometric Functions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RE: 1. Give the measures of the complement and the supplement of an angle measuring 35°.
Question
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### Factoring by First Looking for a Greatest Common Factor

To factor the given polynomial expression, we start by identifying the greatest common factor (GCF).

**Expression:**

\[ 16x^2 - 36 \]

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the GCF**:
   The greatest common factor of \(16x^2\) and \(-36\) is 4.

2. **Factor Out the GCF**:
   Divide each term by the GCF and factor it out:
   \[ 16x^2 - 36 = 4(4x^2 - 9) \]

3. **Recognize Further Factoring (Difference of Squares)**:
   The expression inside the parentheses, \(4x^2 - 9\), is a difference of squares. Recall that:
   \[ a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b) \]
   Here, \(4x^2\) is \((2x)^2\) and \(9\) is \(3^2\). So:
   \[ 4x^2 - 9 = (2x + 3)(2x - 3) \]

4. **Combine All Factors**:
   Substitute back to get the fully factored expression:
   \[ 16x^2 - 36 = 4(2x + 3)(2x - 3) \]

**Final Factored Form:**

\[ 16x^2 - 36 = 4(2x + 3)(2x - 3) \]
Transcribed Image Text:### Factoring by First Looking for a Greatest Common Factor To factor the given polynomial expression, we start by identifying the greatest common factor (GCF). **Expression:** \[ 16x^2 - 36 \] **Step-by-Step Solution:** 1. **Identify the GCF**: The greatest common factor of \(16x^2\) and \(-36\) is 4. 2. **Factor Out the GCF**: Divide each term by the GCF and factor it out: \[ 16x^2 - 36 = 4(4x^2 - 9) \] 3. **Recognize Further Factoring (Difference of Squares)**: The expression inside the parentheses, \(4x^2 - 9\), is a difference of squares. Recall that: \[ a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b) \] Here, \(4x^2\) is \((2x)^2\) and \(9\) is \(3^2\). So: \[ 4x^2 - 9 = (2x + 3)(2x - 3) \] 4. **Combine All Factors**: Substitute back to get the fully factored expression: \[ 16x^2 - 36 = 4(2x + 3)(2x - 3) \] **Final Factored Form:** \[ 16x^2 - 36 = 4(2x + 3)(2x - 3) \]
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