Factorize the expression $a^4b - 3a^2b^2 - 6ab^3$.


Given:

The given expression is $a^4b - 3a^2b^2 - 6ab^3$.

To do:

We have to factorize the expression $a^4b - 3a^2b^2 - 6ab^3$.

Solution:

HCF:

A common factor of two or more numbers is a factor that is shared by the numbers. The highest common factor (HCF) of those numbers is found by finding all common factors of the numbers and selecting the largest one.

The terms in the given expression are $a^4b, -3a^2b^2$ and $- 6ab^3$.

The numerical coefficient of $a^4b$ is $1$

The numerical coefficient of $-3a^2b^2$ is $3$

The numerical coefficient of $- 6ab^3$ is $6$

HCF of $1, 3$ and $6$ is $1$

The common variables in the given terms are $a$ and $b$.

The power of $a$ in $a^4b$ is $4$

The power of $a$ in $-3a^2b^2$ is $2$

The power of $a$ in $- 6ab^3$ is $1$

The power of $b$ in $a^4b$ is $1$

The power of $b$ in $-3a^2b^2$ is $2$

The power of $b$ in $- 6ab^3$ is $3$

The monomial of common literals with the smallest power is $ab$

Therefore,

$a^4b=ab \times (a^3)$

$-3a^2b^2=ab \times (-3ab)$

$- 6ab^3=ab \times (-6b^2)$

This implies,

$a^4b - 3a^2b^2 - 6ab^3=ab(a^3-3ab-6b^2)$

Hence, the given expression can be factorized as $ab(a^3-3ab-6b^2)$.

Updated on: 03-Apr-2023

102 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements