Factorise completely: 32x 2 y - 48x 3 y 3

Correct Answer is : 16x2y(2 - 3xy2)

Correct Answer is : 16x2y(2 - 3xy2)

Test Index

WAEC Mathematics 2012 Paper

Question : 31

Total: 49

Factorise completely: 32x²y - 48x³y³

Solution:

Concept:

Extract the greatest common factor (GCF) from each term of the expression.

Explanation:

The expression is

32x^{2}y - 48x^{3}y^{3}

The GCF of the coefficients

32

and

48

16

The GCF of the

x

-terms is

x^{2}

The GCF of the

y

-terms is

y

So the common factor is

16x^{2}y

Divide each term by

16x^{2}y

32x^{2}y \div 16x^{2}y = 2

48x^{3}y^{3} \div 16x^{2}y = 3xy^{2}

Thus, the factorised form is:

32x^{2}y - 48x^{3}y^{3} = 16x^{2}y(2 - 3xy^{2})

This matches Option A.

Answer:

16x^{2}y(2 - 3xy^{2})

Option A.

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