Which expressions are equivalent to 12x2 – 48x + 48? Select TWO correct answers.

Group of answer choices

12(x – 2)2

12(x + 2)2

12(x2 ‒ 4x + 4)

12(x2 ‒ 6x + 6)

1 answer

To determine which expressions are equivalent to the quadratic expression \( 12x^2 - 48x + 48 \), we can factor the original expression or manipulate the given options.

First, we can factor \( 12x^2 - 48x + 48 \):

  1. Factor out 12 from the expression: \[ 12(x^2 - 4x + 4) \]

  2. Now, \( x^2 - 4x + 4 \) can be factored further as: \[ x^2 - 4x + 4 = (x - 2)^2 \]

So we have: \[ 12(x^2 - 4x + 4) = 12(x - 2)^2 \]

From this, we find that:

  • The expression \( 12(x - 2)^2 \) is indeed equivalent to \( 12x^2 - 48x + 48 \).
  • The expression \( 12(x^2 - 4x + 4) \) is just a different representation and is also equivalent to the original expression.

Now we can analyze the answer choices:

  1. 12(x – 2)²: Equivalent (as we derived).
  2. 12(x + 2)²: Not equivalent.
  3. 12(x² ‒ 4x + 4): Equivalent (as we derived).
  4. 12(x² ‒ 6x + 6): Not equivalent.

Therefore, the two correct answers are:

  • 12(x – 2)²
  • 12(x² ‒ 4x + 4)