Questions: Factor the four-term polynomial by grouping.
x^3 + 8x^2 + 4x + 32
Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice.
A. x^3 + 8x^2 + 4x + 32 =
B. The polynomial is not factorable by grouping.
Transcript text: Factor the four-term polynomial by grouping.
\[
x^{3}+8 x^{2}+4 x+32
\]
Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice.
A. $x^{3}+8 x^{2}+4 x+32=$ $\square$
B. The polynomial is not factorable by grouping.
Solution
Solution Steps
To factor the four-term polynomial by grouping, we can follow these steps:
Group the terms in pairs.
Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from each pair.
If a common binomial factor appears, factor it out.
Step 1: Group the Terms
Group the polynomial \(x^3 + 8x^2 + 4x + 32\) into two pairs:
\[
(x^3 + 8x^2) + (4x + 32)
\]
Step 2: Factor Out the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) from Each Pair
Factor out the GCF from each pair:
\[
x^2(x + 8) + 4(x + 8)
\]
Step 3: Factor Out the Common Binomial Factor
Notice that \((x + 8)\) is a common factor:
\[
(x + 8)(x^2 + 4)
\]
Final Answer
The polynomial \(x^3 + 8x^2 + 4x + 32\) can be factored as:
\[
\boxed{(x + 8)(x^2 + 4)}
\]