How do you factor #x^3+3x^2-x-3#?

1 Answer
Jan 22, 2016

(x + 3 )(x + 1 )(x - 1 )

Explanation:

Factorise by grouping.

ie # [ x^3 + 3x^2 ] + [ - x - 3 ]#

# = x^2 (x + 3 ) - 1(x + 3 )#

[common factor of ( x + 3 ) ]

# = (x + 3 ) (x^2 - 1 )#

# (x^2 - 1 ) =(x + 1 )(x - 1 ) color(black)(" difference of 2 squares ")#

#rArr x^3 + 3x^2 - x - 3 = (x + 3 )(x + 1 )(x - 1 ) #