Advanced Math practice question

Answer: A. (x − 3)(x − 2)(x + 2)

Group: x²(x − 3) − 4(x − 3) = (x − 3)(x² − 4). Then x² − 4 = (x − 2)(x + 2). Result: (x − 3)(x − 2)(x + 2).

Why the other answers are wrong

B. (x + 3)(x − 2)(x + 2)

The common factor from grouping is (x − 3), not (x + 3): x³ − 3x² = x²(x − 3).

C. (x − 3)(x² + 4)

Grouping gives x² − 4, not x² + 4: −4x + 12 = −4(x − 3).

D. (x − 3)(x + 2)²

x² − 4 factors as (x − 2)(x + 2), two different factors, not (x + 2) twice.

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