I'm not sure how to factor 3x^3-12x^2+3x. I tried separatring the 3x so that 3x(x+1)(x-4, but I got -3x^3+-12x^2-3x^2+12x. Can you show me where I went wrong and how to properly factor this? Is there a general rule or tip for this sort of factoring with a number to the third power? Thanks!!

Question

I'm not sure how to factor 3x^3-12x^2+3x. I tried separatring the 3x so that 3x(x+1)(x-4, but I got -3x^3+-12x^2-3x^2+12x.  Can you show me where I went wrong and how to properly factor this? Is there a general rule or tip for this sort of factoring with a number to the third power? Thanks!!

Reiny · Answer

there is a common factor of 3x so, 3x^3-12x^2+3x = 3x(x^2 - 4x + 1) The last part does not factor any more, so that's it.