1Cademy - Factoring $$-4b^3 + 16b^2

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Factoring with a Negative Leading Coefficient

Example

Factoring $-4b^3 + 16b^2 - 8b$

To factor $-4b^3 + 16b^2 - 8b$ , start by identifying the greatest common factor (GCF). Because the leading coefficient is negative, the GCF must also be negative. The GCF of the absolute values is $4b$ , so factor out $-4b$ from each term. Dividing each term by $-4b$ reverses their signs, resulting in the factored expression: $-4b(b^2 - 4b + 2)$ .