Example

Factoring 4x2+8bx4ax8ab4x^2 + 8bx - 4ax - 8ab

Factor 4x2+8bx4ax8ab4x^2 + 8bx - 4ax - 8ab completely by first extracting the greatest common factor and then applying factoring by grouping to the remaining polynomial.

Step 1 — Check for a GCF: The four terms share a common numerical factor of 44. Factor it out: 4(x2+2bxax2ab)4(x^2 + 2bx - ax - 2ab)

Step 2 — Classify the expression inside the parentheses: The expression has four terms, so use factoring by grouping.

Step 3 — Group and factor each pair: Group the terms into two pairs and factor the GCF from each pair: 4[x(x+2b)a(x+2b)]4[x(x + 2b) - a(x + 2b)] Both groups share the common binomial factor (x+2b)(x + 2b). Factor it out: 4(x+2b)(xa)4(x + 2b)(x - a)

Step 4 — Check: Verify the result by multiplying: 4(x+2b)(xa)=4(x2ax+2bx2ab)=4x2+8bx4ax8ab4(x + 2b)(x - a) = 4(x^2 - ax + 2bx - 2ab) = 4x^2 + 8bx - 4ax - 8ab

The completely factored form is 4(x+2b)(xa)4(x + 2b)(x - a).

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Updated 2026-04-30

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