factor the expression completely. x^3- 3x^2 + x -3?

Answer 1

x³- 3x² + x - 3
( x² ) ( x - 3 ) + ( 1 ) ( x - 3 )
( x² + 1 ) ( x - 3 )

Answer 2

You can use grouping to solve this problem.
You put parentheses around the first two terms then a second set around the second two terms like so:

(x^3-3x^2) + (x-3)

Next step: You can pull out common factors out of the first set of parentheses (both terms have an x^2):

x^2(x - 3) + 1(x-3)

Now you match up the x^2 with the +1, and the (x-3) terms, this gives you factors of:

(x^2 + 1) and (x-3)

If they want you to solve for your x's, then next, you need to set each of those equal to zero and solve for x:

first factor:
X^2 + 1 =0
x^2 = -1
(take the sq. root of both sides)
x = square root of -1 which is i (an imaginary number since you can't take the square root of a negative number)

Second Factor:
x-3 = 0
so x=3

Answer 3

(x-3)(x^2+1)

Answer 4

the answer is (x^2+1)(x-3)