Answer:
[tex]2x^3+x^2-8x-4=(2x+1)(x+2)(x-2)[/tex]
Step-by-step explanation:
Let's collect [tex]x^2[/tex] between the first two terms, and -4 between the last two:
[tex]2x^3+x^2-8x-4=x^2(2x+1) -4 (2x+1)[/tex]
At this point you should see there is a common factor[tex]2x+1[/tex]between both terms, then let's collect that:
[tex]2x^3+x^2-8x-4=x^2(2x+1) -4 (2x+1) = (2x+1)(x^2-4)[/tex]
Final step is recognizing a difference of squares (x and 2) in the second bracket, to end up our work!
[tex]2x^3+x^2-8x-4=x^2(2x+1) -4 (2x+1) = (2x+1)(x^2-4) =(2x+1)(x+2)(x-2)[/tex]
