Precalculus (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 013421742X
ISBN 13: 978-0-13421-742-0

Chapter R - Review of Basic Concepts - R.4 Factoring Polynomials - R.4 Exercises - Page 43: 17

Answer

$2p^2q^4(-2p-q)\space\space \text{ or }\space-2p^2q^4(2p+q)$

Work Step by Step

The GCF of the coefficients is $2$. The GCF of the literal coefficients (the variables) is the one with the lowest exponent for each variable. Thus, the GCF for the variables is $p^2q^4$. The GCF is $2p^2q^4$. Factor out the GCF to obtain: $-4p^3q^4-2p^2q^5=2p^2q^4(-2p-q)$ Alternatively, $-2p^2q^4$ can be factored out to obtain: $-4p^3q^4-2p^2q^5=-2p^2q^4(2p+q)$
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