Use the preliminary strategy.
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| Is there a greatest common factor? |
2n2−8n−42 |
| Yes, GCF = 2. Factor it out. |
2(n2−4n−21) |
Inside the parentheses, is it a binomial, trinomial, or are there more than three terms?
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| It is a trinomial whose coefficient is 1, so undo FOIL. |
2(n)(n) |
| Use 3 and −7 as the last terms of the binomials. |
2(n+3)(n−7) |
| Factors of −21 |
Sum of factors |
| 1,−21 |
1+(−21)=−20 |
| 3,−7 |
3+(−7)=−4∗ |
Check.
2(n+3)(n−7)
2(n2−7n+3n−21)
2(n2−4n−21)
2n2−8n−42✓