A student factors 3x2 - 12 to the following. 3 (x2 - 4)

The expression is equivalent, but is not completely factored

Step-by-step explanation:

A student factors 3x² - 12 to the following. 3 (x² - 4)

3x² - 12 is equivalent to 3 (x² - 4), because 3 was factored out;

If we multiply by 3 by opening the brackets then we get the same expression 3x² - 12.

However; 3 (x² - 4), could be factored further;

To get; 3 (x + 2) (x - 2); since x² - 4 is a difference of two squares;

Therefore;

3x² - 12 = 3 (x² - 4) = 3 (x + 2) (x - 2)

So, the factors of 3x² - 12 are 3 (x-2) (x+2).

Step-by-step explanation:

We have given expression:

3x² - 12

We have to find the factor of the given expression.

First, taking 3 common from the expression we get,

3x² - 12=3 (x²-4)

As we know that,

a²-b² = (a-b) (a+b)

Then we get,

3x² - 12 = 3 (x-2) (x+2)

So, the factors of 3x² - 12 are 3 (x-2) (x+2).