To factor the expression , we can look for factors using polynomial long division or the factorization method. However, first, let’s see if we can find its factors directly.
We need to find two numbers that multiply to and add to . The numbers that fulfill these requirements are and .
This allows us to rewrite as :
Next, we group the terms:
Now, factor each group:
Now, factor out the common factor :
Thus, the expression can be factored as:
To verify this factorization, we can expand :
Conclusion
Thus, the factors of are and . The expressions that are factors of are and .