Factor –8x3 – 2x2 – 12x – 3 by grouping. what is the resulting expression? (2x2 – 3)(4x + 1) (–2x2 – 3)(–4x + 1) (2x2 – 3)(–4x + 1) (–2x2 – 3)(4x + 1)

Easier if you first factor out the " - " sign.  Then you have:

–8x3 – 2x2 – 12x – 3    = -1(8x3 + 2x2 + 12x +3).

Start with 12 + 3.  This factors to 3(4x+1).  Next, focus on 8x^3+2x^2.  This factors to 2x^2*(4x+1).  So, the binomial factor 4x+1 is common to the first two terms and the second two terms.  We get:  (4x+1) (  2x^2  + 3).

Now put the "-" sign back in, and we get   - (4x+1) ( 2x^2  + 3)    (answer)

Please note:  Use "^" to denote exponentiation.   2x2 is meaningless; it should be 2x^2.

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