Precalculus (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 013421742X
ISBN 13: 978-0-13421-742-0

Chapter R - Review of Basic Concepts - R.4 Factoring Polynomials - R.4 Exercises - Page 43: 18

Answer

$3z^3w^2(-z^2-6w^2) \text{ or }-3z^3w^2(z^2+6w^2)$

Work Step by Step

The GCF of the coefficients is $3$. The GCF of the literal coefficients (the variables) is the one with the lowest exponent for each variable. Thus, the GCF for the variables is $z^3w^2$. The GCF is $3z^3w^2$. Factor out the GCF to obtain: $-3z^5w^2-18z^3w^4=3z^3w^2(-z^2-6w^2)$ Alternatively, $-3z^3w^2$ can be factored out to obtain: $-3z^5w^2-18z^3w^4=-3z^3w^2(z^2+6w^2)$
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