Intermediate Algebra (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321969359
ISBN 13: 978-0-32196-935-4

Chapter 5 - Review Exercises - Page 360: 18

Answer

$3b(b+1)(2b-5)$

Work Step by Step

$\bf{\text{Solution Outline:}}$ To factor the given expression, $ 6b^3-9b^2-15b ,$ factor first the $GCF.$ Then factor the resulting trinomial by finding two numbers whose product is $ac$ and whose sum is $b$ in the quadratic expression $ax^2+bx+c.$ Use these $2$ numbers to decompose the middle term of the given quadratic expression and then use factoring by grouping. $\bf{\text{Solution Details:}}$ The $GCF$ of the constants of the terms $\{ 6,-9,-15 \}$ is $ 3 $ since it is the highest number that can divide all the given constants. The $GCF$ of the common variable/s is the variable/s with the lowest exponent. Hence, the $GCF$ of the common variable/s $\{ b^3,b^2,b \}$ is $ b .$ Hence, the entire expression has $GCF= 3b .$ Factoring the $GCF= 3b ,$ the expression above is equivalent to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} 3b \left( \dfrac{6b^3}{3b}-\dfrac{9b^2}{3b}-\dfrac{15b}{3b} \right) \\\\= 3b(2b^2-3b-5) .\end{array} To factor the trinomial expression above, note that the value of $ac$ is $ 2(-5)=-10 $ and the value of $b$ is $ -3 .$ The possible pairs of integers whose product is $ac$ are \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} \{1,-10\}, \{2,-5\}, \\ \{-1,10\}, \{-2,5\} .\end{array} Among these pairs, the one that gives a sum of $b$ is $\{ 2,-5 \}.$ Using these $2$ numbers to decompose the middle term of the trinomial expression above results to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} 3b(2b^2+2b-5b-5) .\end{array} Grouping the first and second terms and the third and fourth terms, the given expression is equivalent to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} 3b[(2b^2+2b)-(5b+5)] .\end{array} Factoring the $GCF$ in each group results to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} 3b[2b(b+1)-5(b+1)] .\end{array} Factoring the $GCF= (b+1) $ of the entire expression above results to \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} 3b[(b+1)(2b-5)] \\\\= 3b(b+1)(2b-5) .\end{array}
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.