Example

Factoring 7x321x270x7x^3 - 21x^2 - 70x

To factor the polynomial 7x321x270x7x^3 - 21x^2 - 70x completely, first check for a greatest common factor (GCF). The GCF of the three terms is 7x7x. Factoring it out leaves 7x(x23x10)7x(x^2 - 3x - 10). Next, classify the expression inside the parentheses: it is a trinomial with a leading coefficient of 11. Undo FOIL to find two numbers that multiply to 10-10 and add to 3-3. These numbers are 5-5 and 22, giving the binomial factors (x5)(x - 5) and (x+2)(x + 2). The completely factored expression is 7x(x5)(x+2)7x(x - 5)(x + 2). Finally, check by multiplying the factors to verify they equal the original polynomial.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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