How do you factor the expression #12w^2 -27#?

1 Answer
Dec 13, 2015

#3(2w+3)(2w-3)#

Explanation:

Factor out a common multiple of both terms. In this case, it's #3#.

#3(4w^2-9)#

Now, notice that #4w^2-9# is a difference of squares.

A typical difference of squares in the form #a^2-b^2# can be factorized into #(a+b)(a-b)#.

Thus, #4w^2-9=(2w+3)(2w-3)#.

So, the complete factored form is:

#3(2w+3)(2w-3)#