Question

factor the polynomial.
$c^2 - 8c + 12$
select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box within your choice.
a. the answer is . (factor completely.)
b. the polynomial is not factorable.

Explanation:

Step1: Find two numbers

We need two numbers that multiply to \(12\) and add up to \(-8\). The numbers are \(-6\) and \(-2\) since \((-6)\times(-2) = 12\) and \(-6 + (-2)=-8\).

Step2: Factor the polynomial

Using these two numbers, we can factor the quadratic polynomial \(c^{2}-8c + 12\) as \((c - 6)(c - 2)\).

Answer:

A. The answer is \((c - 6)(c - 2)\). (Factor completely.)