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)