18
QuizMultiple Choice

Factoring Polynomials Completely — Quiz

Question 18 • Mathematics III

What is the completely factored form of 3 x to the 5th power minus 7 x to the 4th power plus 6 x squared minus 14 x ?

Answer
A
x times open paren 3 x to the 4th power minus 7 x cubed plus 6 x minus 14 close paren
B
x to the 4th power open paren 3 x minus 7 close paren open paren 2 x minus 1 close paren
C
x open paren x cubed plus 2 close paren open paren 3 x minus 7 close paren
D
open paren x to the 4th power plus 2 x close paren times open paren 3 x minus 7 close paren

Explanation

First factor out the common factor x: 3x⁵ − 7x⁴ + 6x² − 14x = x(3x⁴ − 7x³ + 6x − 14). Group the terms inside: x³(3x − 7) + 2(3x − 7) = (3x − 7)(x³ + 2). Thus the completely factored form is x(x³ + 2)(3x − 7), which is choice C.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.