Question

Factor the expression. Tell which special product factoring pattern you used. $$32-18 x^{2}$$

Short answer

The factored form of the expression \(32-18x^2\) is \(2(4-3x)(4+3x)\). The Difference of Squares factoring pattern was used in the process.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the GCF

Identify the greatest common factor of the two terms in the expression. In this case, the GCF is 2.

Extract the GCF

Extract the GCF and rewrite the given expression as \(2(16 - 9x^2)\).

Apply Difference of Squares formula

Recognize that the expression \(16 - 9x^2\) is a difference of squares, where \(a = 4\) and \(b = 3x\). Factoring using the formula \(a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)\) gives \((4 - 3x)(4 + 3x)\).

Insert the GCF back

Reinsert the GCF to get the final factored form of \(2(4-3x)(4+3x)\).

Key concepts

Difference of Squares

The difference of squares is a special type of algebraic expression that can be easily factored if it matches the form \(a^2 - b^2\). This pattern represents the subtraction of two perfect squares. Factoring such an expression involves recognizing that the squared terms correspond to \(a\) and \(b\) in the formula \(a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)\).

For example, in our exercise, after extracting the greatest common factor (GCF), the expression \(16 - 9x^2\) resembles the pattern of a difference of squares since \(16\) is \(4^2\), and \(9x^2\) is \( (3x)^2\). By applying the formula, the expression is neatly separated into two binomials: \(4 - 3x\) and \(4 + 3x\), which when multiplied together give back the original quadratic expression.

Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

The greatest common factor, or GCF, refers to the highest number that divides exactly into two or more numbers. When factoring expressions, finding and extracting the GCF is often the first step in simplification, as it makes the remaining expression easier to manage.

In the given exercise, the GCF of \(32\) and \(18x^2\) is \(2\). This is the largest number that can evenly divide both terms. To use the GCF for factoring, we divide each term by \(2\), effectively 'taking out' the GCF from the expression: \(2(16 - 9x^2)\). After extraction, what remains inside the parentheses can often be further factored using other patterns like the difference of squares.

Special Product Patterns

Algebra is rich with special product patterns that simplify the process of factoring. These patterns include the difference of squares, the sum and difference of cubes, and the square of a binomial, among others. Recognizing these patterns in an algebraic expression allows for rapid factorization, which is particularly useful for simplifying expressions and solving equations.

In practice, once you identify a special product pattern, you apply the corresponding factoring formula. As an exercise improvement advice, it is essential for students to familiarize themselves with these special product patterns, as it makes the process of factoring much quicker and more intuitive.

Algebraic Factorization

Algebraic factorization is the process of breaking down a complex algebraic expression into simpler factors that, when multiplied together, yield the original expression. This process utilizes a mix of methods such as extracting the GCF, employing special product patterns, grouping, and others.

For instance, the given exercise walks through the algebraic factorization of a quadratic expression. Initially, the greatest common factor is identified and extracted. Then, the resulting expression is analyzed for any special product patterns—here, the difference of squares. The final step involves reassembling the factored components, including the GCF, to produce a completely factored expression. The key to mastering algebraic factorization is to practice and recognize these various methods and patterns.