Example

Factoring 4p2q−16pq+12q4p^2q - 16pq + 12q

Factor 4p2q−16pq+12q4p^2q - 16pq + 12q completely.

Step 1 — Check for a GCF: The three terms share a greatest common factor of 4q4q. Factor it out: 4q(p2−4p+3)4q(p^2 - 4p + 3)

Step 2 — Factor the trinomial: The expression inside the parentheses is a trinomial with a leading coefficient of 11. Find two numbers that multiply to 33 and add to −4-4. These numbers are −1-1 and −3-3. Use them to write the binomial factors: 4q(p−1)(p−3)4q(p - 1)(p - 3)

Step 3 — Check: Verify by multiplying: 4q(p−1)(p−3)=4q(p2−3p−p+3)=4q(p2−4p+3)=4p2q−16pq+12q4q(p - 1)(p - 3) = 4q(p^2 - 3p - p + 3) = 4q(p^2 - 4p + 3) = 4p^2q - 16pq + 12q ✓

The completely factored form is 4q(p−1)(p−3)4q(p - 1)(p - 3).

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Updated 2026-06-03

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