How do you factor: #y= 10x^3 + 20x^2 #?

1 Answer
Jun 29, 2016

#y = 10x^2(x + 2#) OR #y = (5x)(2x)(x + 2)#

Explanation:

First look for numbers and variables that can be divided out of both terms.

#y = 10x^3 + 20x^2#

Just from taking a look at the equation, we can tell that we can divide a #10# and #x^2# from both terms, and these are the highest values we can take out. Let's write this out:

#y = 10x^2(x + 2)#

And there you have it! This is the factored out form of the original equation.

Note that it is possible to take out more factors, for example:

#y = (5x)(2x)(x + 2)#

Both answers are fine.