Factoring the expression x3 – 7x2 – 5x + 35 by grouping involves strategically pairing terms to identify common factors. First, consider the terms x3 – 7x2. The common factor here is x2, resulting in x2(x – 7). Next, examine the terms -5x + 35. Their common factor is -5, yielding -5(x – 7). Notice that (x – 7) is now a common factor for both resulting expressions. Extracting this common factor produces (x – 7)(x2 – 5). This final expression represents the factored form.
This technique allows simplification of complex expressions into more manageable forms, which is crucial for solving equations, simplifying algebraic manipulations, and understanding the underlying structure of mathematical relationships. Factoring by grouping provides a fundamental tool for further analysis, enabling identification of roots, intercepts, and other key characteristics of polynomials. Historically, polynomial manipulation and factorization have been essential for advancing mathematical theory and applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science.