Q. Factor \(x(x+1)(x-4)+4(x+1)\) meaning / means.
Answer
Factor the common factor (x+1):
\[
x(x+1)(x-4)+4(x+1)=(x+1)\big(x(x-4)+4\big)=(x+1)(x^2-4x+4)=(x+1)(x-2)^2.
\]
Detailed Explanation
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Write the expression to factor: \(x(x+1)(x-4)+4(x+1)\).
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Look for a common factor. Both terms contain the factor \(x+1\), so factor it out:
\((x+1)\bigl(x(x-4)+4\bigr)\).
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Simplify the expression inside the parentheses. Compute \(x(x-4)+4\):
\(x(x-4)+4 = x^2-4x+4.\)
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Recognize the quadratic \(x^2-4x+4\) as a perfect square trinomial. It factors as:
\(x^2-4x+4=(x-2)^2.\)
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Substitute this back into the factored form to obtain the complete factorization:
\((x+1)(x-2)^2.\)
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Optional verification by expansion:
\((x+1)(x-2)^2=(x+1)(x^2-4x+4)=x^3-3x^2+4,\)
and expanding the original expression gives
\(x(x+1)(x-4)+4(x+1)=x^3-3x^2+4,\)
so the factorization is correct.
FAQs
What is the fully factored form of \(x(x+1)(x-4)+4(x+1)\)?
How do you factor it step-by-step?
What are the roots/zeros of the polynomial?
How can I verify the factoring is correct?
What is the polynomial’s degree and leading coefficient?
How does the double root at \(x=2\) affect the graph?
Could you use substitution to spot the perfect square faster?
Is the factorization valid over the integers and reals?
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