2 Answers

-12 = 3p +15 -3p

The 3p and -3p cancel out each other, leaving you with 

-12 = 15       That doesn't make sense, does it? Ask your teacher to explain that to you, because I can't!

Homework ... http://www.purplemath.com/modules/simpfact2.htm

• Factor x²y³ + xy

I can factor an "x" and a "y" out of each term: x²y³ = xy(x¹y²) = xy(xy²) and xy= xy(1).

   x²y³ + xy = xy(           )

   = xy(xy²        )

   = xy(xy² + 1)

Remember: When "nothing" is left after factoring, a "1" is left behind in the parentheses.

• Factor 3x³ + 6x² – 15x.

I can factor a "3" and an "x" out of each term: 3x³ = 3x(x²), 6x² = 3x(2x), and 
–15x = 3x(–5). Being careful of my signs, I get:

3x³ + 6x² – 15x = 3x(                    )

= 3x(x²               )

= 3x(x² + 2x      )

= 3x(x² + 2x – 5)