how do you factor completely 3(x - 2)^2 - 3(x - 2) - 6

Answer 1

That can be recognized as a polynomial in x-2. It factors into
[3(x-2)+3][(x-2) -2]
which simplifies to
= (3x+3)(x-4) = 3(x+1)(x-4)

Another way to do that would be to multiply out the polynomial 3(x-2)^2 -3(x-2) -6 BEFORE factoring it. The answer should be the same.