MHB How do you factor expressions like 3(x + h)^4 - 48(x + h)^2?

[mathdad]

Precalculus by David Cohen, 3rd Edition
Chapter 1, Section 1.3.
Question 32c.

Factor the expression.

3(x + h)^4 - 48(x + h)^2

Solution:

Factor out 3(x + h)^2.

3(x + h)^2[(x + h)^2 - 16]

Simplify the quantity in the brackets.

3(x + h)^2[(x + h) - 4][(x - h) + 4]

Is this right?

 

[kaliprasad]

Precalculus by David Cohen, 3rd Edition
Chapter 1, Section 1.3.
Question 32c.

Factor the expression.

3(x + h)^4 - 48(x + h)^2

Solution:

Factor out 3(x + h)^2.

3(x + h)^2[(x + h)^2 - 16]

Simplify the quantity in the brackets.

3(x + h)^2[(x + h) - 4][(x - h) + 4]

Is this right?

right

 

[mathdad]

Section 1.3 has what appears to be endless factoring questions. I will post many factoring problems in the coming days. I am talking about "tricky" factoring problems not factor 3a + a.