Question

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

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Explanation:

Step1: Find the GCF of coefficients and variables

The coefficients are -6 and -3. The GCF of 6 and 3 is 3, and since both terms are negative, we take -3. For the variables, \(x^3\) and \(x^2\) have the GCF \(x^2\). So the GCF of the two terms is \(-3x^2\).

Step2: Factor out the GCF

Divide each term by \(-3x^2\): \(\frac{-6x^3}{-3x^2}=2x\) and \(\frac{-3x^2}{-3x^2} = 1\). So, \(-6x^3 - 3x^2=-3x^2(2x + 1)\)

Answer:

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