Lucas and erick are factoring the polynomial 12x3 – 6x2 8x – 4. Lucas groups the polynomial (12x3 8x) (–6x2 – 4) to factor. Erick groups the polynomial (12x3 – 6x2) (8x – 4) to factor. Who correctly grouped the terms to factor? Explain.

Both students are correct because polynomials can be grouped in different ways to factor. Both ways result in a common binomial factor between the groups. Using the distributive property , this common binomial term can be factored out. Each grouping results in the same two binomial factors.

Step-by-step explanation: