Question

question
factor the expression completely.
-6x^3 - 3x^2
answer attempt 1 out of 2

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the GCF

Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms \(-6x^3\) and \(-3x^2\). The GCF of the coefficients \(-6\) and \(-3\) is \(-3\), and the GCF of the variables \(x^3\) and \(x^2\) is \(x^2\). So the GCF is \(-3x^2\).

Step2: Factor out the GCF

Factor out \(-3x^2\) from each term:
\[

$$\begin{align*} -6x^3 - 3x^2&=-3x^2(2x) + (-3x^2)(1)\\ &=-3x^2(2x + 1) \end{align*}$$

\]

Answer:

\(-3x^2(2x + 1)\)