Factorise xcube minus 2xsquare minus xplus2

Mathematics

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Answer

(x - 2)(x - 1)(x + 1)

Step-by-step solution

4 steps

To factorize the expression x3−2x2−x+2x^3 - 2x^2 - x + 2, we can use the method of grouping.

  1. Group the terms into two pairs.

    (x3−2x2)−(x−2)(x^3 - 2x^2) - (x - 2)
  2. Factor out the common factor from each pair.

    From the first pair, x2x^2 is common. From the second pair, −1-1 is common.

    x2(x−2)−1(x−2)x^2(x - 2) - 1(x - 2)
  3. Notice that (x−2)(x - 2) is a common factor in both terms.

    Factor out (x−2)(x - 2).

    (x−2)(x2−1)(x - 2)(x^2 - 1)
  4. The term (x2−1)(x^2 - 1) is a difference of squares, which can be factored as (a2−b2)=(a−b)(a+b)(a^2 - b^2) = (a - b)(a + b).

    Here, a=xa = x and b=1b = 1.

    (x−2)(x−1)(x+1)(x - 2)(x - 1)(x + 1)
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