Identify GCF: Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms in the expression 8x5−2x. The GCF of 8x5 and 2x is 2x, since 2x is the largest expression that divides both terms evenly.
Factor out GCF: Factor out the GCF from the expression.We can write 8x5−2x as 2x(4x4−1).
Check for further factoring: Check if the remaining expression inside the parentheses can be factored further.The expression 4x4−1 is a difference of squares, as it can be written as (2x2)2−12.
Factor difference of squares: Factor the difference of squares. The factored form of a difference of squares a2−b2 is (a+b)(a−b). Therefore, 4x4−1 can be factored as (2x2+1)(2x2−1).
Combine with GCF: Combine the GCF with the factored form of the expression inside the parentheses.The final factored form of the expression 8x5−2x is 2x(2x2+1)(2x2−1).