Example

Factoring 20x216x15x+1220x^2 - 16x - 15x + 12

Factor the polynomial 20x216x15x+1220x^2 - 16x - 15x + 12 using the grouping method. There is no overall GCF, so split the polynomial into two groups: (20x216x)(20x^2 - 16x) and (15x+12)(-15x + 12). Extract the GCF from the first group, which is 4x4x, to get 4x(5x4)4x(5x - 4). For the second group, factor out 3-3 to reverse the signs and match the binomial from the first group: 3(5x4)-3(5x - 4). The expression is now 4x(5x4)3(5x4)4x(5x - 4) - 3(5x - 4). Both parts contain the common binomial factor (5x4)(5x - 4). Factoring this out yields the final result: (5x4)(4x3)(5x - 4)(4x - 3). Check by multiplying the binomials to ensure they reproduce the original four-term polynomial.

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Updated 2026-04-29

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