Question

Faelyn grouped the terms and factored the GCF out of the groups of the polynomial 6x4 – 8x2 + 3x2 + 4. Her work is shown.

Step 1: (6x4 – 8x2) + (3x2 + 4)

Step 2: 2x2(3x2 – 4) + 1(3x2 + 4)

Faelyn noticed that she does not have a common factor. Which accurately describes what Faelyn should do next?

Faelyn should realize that her work shows that the polynomial is prime.
Faelyn should go back and regroup the terms in Step 1 as (6x4 + 3x2) – (8x2 + 4).
In Step 2, Faelyn should factor only 2x out of the first expression.
Faelyn should factor out a negative from one of the groups so the binomials will be the same.

Answer 1

Faelyn should factor out a negative from one of the groups so the binomials will be the same.

Reason: when factoring by grouping the two grouped binomials must match (possibly up to a sign). If they don't match, factor a -1 from one group so the binomials become identical, then factor the common binomial.