5
advanced-mathFactor completely:
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the correct answer. To factor completely, always look for a Greatest Common Factor (GCF) first.
- The coefficients are 2 and 6. The GCF is 2.
- The variables are and . The GCF is .
- Combine them: The total GCF is .
- Divide each term by : and .
So, the factored form is .
Choice B is incorrect because can still be factored further (divisible by 2). Choice C is incorrect because it leaves an inside that could be factored out. Choice D is incorrect because expanding gives , which has the wrong sign.