Example

Factoring x2+2x5x10x^2 + 2x - 5x - 10

Factor the polynomial x2+2x5x10x^2 + 2x - 5x - 10 by grouping. Because there is no common factor for all four terms, group them into two pairs: (x2+2x)(x^2 + 2x) and (5x10)(-5x - 10). Factor the GCF from each pair. The first pair has a GCF of xx, giving x(x+2)x(x + 2). The second pair has a negative leading term, so factor out 5-5 to obtain matching binomials: 5(x+2)-5(x + 2). The expression becomes x(x+2)5(x+2)x(x + 2) - 5(x + 2). Factor out the common binomial factor (x+2)(x + 2) to get the completely factored form: (x+2)(x5)(x + 2)(x - 5). Check by multiplying: (x+2)(x5)=x25x+2x10=x2+2x5x10(x + 2)(x - 5) = x^2 - 5x + 2x - 10 = x^2 + 2x - 5x - 10.

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Updated 2026-04-29

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