QuestionDecember 25, 2025

A student was asked to solve 4x^2-12x=0 by factoring out the GCE At what step did the student first make an error? Given: 4x^2-12x=0 Step 1: 4x(x+3)=0 Step 2: 4x=0 and x+3=0 Step 3: x=0 and x=-3 (1 point) Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

A student was asked to solve 4x^2-12x=0 by factoring out the GCE At what step did the student first make an error? Given: 4x^2-12x=0 Step 1: 4x(x+3)=0 Step 2: 4x=0 and x+3=0 Step 3: x=0 and x=-3 (1 point) Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
A student was asked to solve 4x^2-12x=0 by factoring out the GCE
At what step did the student first make an error?
Given: 4x^2-12x=0
Step 1: 4x(x+3)=0
Step 2: 4x=0 and x+3=0
Step 3: x=0 and x=-3
(1 point)
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3

Solution
4.2(307 votes)

Answer

1. Explanation 1. Identify the GCF and factor correctly The correct GCF of 4x^2 and -12x is 4x. Factoring gives 4x(x - 3) = 0, not 4x(x + 3) = 0. 2. Check subsequent steps for propagation of error Steps 2 and 3 use the incorrect factorization from Step 1.

Explanation

1. Identify the GCF and factor correctly<br /> The correct GCF of $4x^2$ and $-12x$ is $4x$. Factoring gives $4x(x - 3) = 0$, not $4x(x + 3) = 0$.<br />2. Check subsequent steps for propagation of error<br /> Steps 2 and 3 use the incorrect factorization from Step 1.
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