Question

factor the expression completely: $4x^2 - 36$.
question help: video

Explanation:

Step1: Factor out GCF

Identify and factor out the greatest common factor of $4x^2$ and $36$, which is 4.
$4x^2 - 36 = 4(x^2 - 9)$

Step2: Apply difference of squares

Recognize $x^2 - 9$ as a difference of squares ($a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)$), where $a=x$, $b=3$.
$4(x^2 - 9) = 4(x-3)(x+3)$

Answer:

$4(x-3)(x+3)$