help factoring polynomials

Question

Can you help me factor this polynomial?

x^3 + 4x^2 + 5x + 2

I don't understand how to factor larger polynomials unless they are factorable by grouping. Can someone give me some general steps to help me understand? Thanks.

Answer 1

Have you learned how to find the rational zeros? That is the easiest way to figure this out. Put it in a bracket like this:

-2|   1         4    5    2

   |             -2   -4  -2

---

always 1   2     1    0

now you take those new numbers and put them back in this form:

x^2+2x+1

that is very factorable.

The answer is (x+1) (x+1)