Algebra-1

Question Analysis
This question tests the student's ability to factor a multivariable polynomial with negative coefficients by grouping and extracting common factors.

Key Concept Explanation
Factoring polynomials with multiple variables and negative coefficients involves grouping terms, extracting common factors (including negative ones), and ensuring the signs are handled correctly.

Step-by-step Solution
Step 1: Group the terms into two pairs
Group the first two terms (with xy terms) and the last two terms (with x terms and constants):
Step 2: Factor out the GCF from each group
For the first group : The greatest common factor (GCF) of and is .
Factoring out gives:
For the second group : The GCF of 12x and 18 is 6 (factoring out 6 aligns the binomial with the first group’s binomial).
Factoring out 6 gives:

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