Question

Factor completely. -5 x2y + 10 xy - 15 xy2

I need help.

Answer 1

`5\,x\,y\,(-x+2-3y)`

Explanation:

Always proceed by first extracting all common factors to all terms:

Notice that the factors: 5, x, and y are present in all terms, so we can extract them from the trinomial:

`-5x^2y+10xy-15xy^2\\5\,x\,y\,(-x+2-3y)`

Now, the trinomial left (-x+2-3y) cannot be factored out, so then factoring is complete.