Factor completely: 6x^2 + 96.
A6(x-4)(x+4)
B(6x-16)(x+6)
C6(x^2+16)
D6(x+4)(x+4)
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. 6(x^2+16)
1. Factor out the GCF first: 6x squared + 96 has a common factor of 6, giving 6(x squared + 16).
2. Check whether x squared + 16 is a difference of squares: it is a sum, not a difference, so the pattern does not apply.
3. Since a sum of squares cannot be factored into binomials, 6(x squared + 16) is already the complete factorization.
_Source: OpenStax Elementary Algebra (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Factoring", section 7.4 Factor Special Products_
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