How do you factor the following: x^2/12 - 2x/3 - 4

Question

We are learning how to factor polynomials and I need help on how to factor a polynomial with fractions.

Answer 1

Given polynomial x^2/12-2x/3-4

(x^2-8x-48)/12 = 0

1/12(x^2-8x-48) = 0

Divide to each side by 12

12/12(x^2-8x-48) = 0/12

x^2-8x-48 = 0

Now factorize the x^2-8x-48 = 0

x^2-8x-48 = 0

x^2-12x+4x-48 = 0

x(x-12)+4(x-12) = 0

(x-12)(x+4) = 0

Factoring of given polynomial is (x-12)(x+4).