Question

ibuki factored $12x^7$ as $(4x^3)(3x^4)$.
melodie factored $12x^7$ as $(2x^6)(6x)$.
which of them factored $12x^7$ correctly?
choose 1 answer:
a only ibuki
b only melodie
c both ibuki and melodie
d neither ibuki nor melodie

Explanation:

Step1: Verify Ibuki's factorization

Multiply the coefficients and add exponents:
$(4x^3)(3x^4) = 4\times3 \times x^{3+4} = 12x^7$

Step2: Verify Melodie's factorization

Multiply the coefficients and add exponents:
$(2x^6)(6x) = 2\times6 \times x^{6+1} = 12x^7$

Answer:

C. Both Ibuki and Melodie