how would you factor (5(x+2)^4)+(3x(x+2)^3)-(2x(x+2)^2).

I have so far gotten it down to 2(3x^4+25x^3+74x^2+92x+40) but i'm not sure that i am doing this right.

2 answers

you went the wrong way, you expanded.

notice the common factor of (x+2)^2
so your expression is
(x+2)^2[5(x+2)^2 + 3x(x+2) - 2x]
now expand the square bracket, since I don't see any more common factors
= (x+2)^2[5x^2 + 20x + 20 + 3x^2 + 6x - 2x]
=(x+2)^2[8x^2 + 24x + 20]
= 4(x+2)^2(2x^2 + 6x + 5)
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