The polynomial x3 + 4x2 – 9x – 36 has 4 terms. Use factoring by grouping to find the correct factorization.
Answer
A
(x2 + 9)(x + 4)
B
(x2 – 9)(x – 4)
C
(x2 + 9)(x – 4)
D
(x2 – 9)(x + 4)
Explanation
Group the terms: (x³ + 4x²) + (−9x − 36). Factor each group to get x²(x + 4) − 9(x + 4). The common factor is (x + 4), leaving (x² − 9)(x + 4), which is choice D.
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