QuestionFactor completely, or state that the polynomial is prime.
Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box within your choice.
A.
B. The polynomial is prime.
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
1. We are given a polynomial .
2. We need to determine if it can be factored completely or if it is prime.
3. A polynomial is prime if it cannot be factored into polynomials of lower degree with integer coefficients.
STEP 2
1. Identify and factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from the polynomial.
2. Check if the resulting expression can be factored further.
STEP 3
Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms in the polynomial .
The GCF of and is .
STEP 4
Factor out the GCF from the polynomial:
STEP 5
Examine the expression inside the parentheses, , to see if it can be factored further.
Notice that is a difference of squares, which can be factored as:
STEP 6
Substitute the factored form of back into the expression:
The polynomial is completely factored as:
The correct choice is:
A.
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