The expression (x3+6x2)−(5x2+12x) can be rewritten as (x+a)(x+b)(x+c), where a,b, and c are constants. What is the value of a+b+c?
We want to expand and convert the polynomial into its factored form.
(x3+6x2)−(5x2+12x)
=x3+6x2−5x2−12x
=x3+x2−12x
=x(x2+x−12)
=x(x+4)(x−3)
Comparing this expression to (x+a)(x+b)(x+c),
a=0,b=4,c=−3
a+b+c=
0+4−3=1