<s>[INST] For the polynomial For the polynomial, -2 is a zero. $h(x)= x^3+8x^2+14x+4$. Express $h(x)$ as a product of linear factors. 
Can someone please explain and help me solve? 
 [/INST] Since its a cubic equation, you are looking at $$(x+A).(x+B).(x+C)=x^3+8x^2+14x+4$$
Obviously, you have to multiply and work hard towards solving this and getting the answer.
Alternatively, what you can do is represent the same thing as
$$x^3+8x^2+12x+2x+4=0$$
Or, $$x(x^2+8x+12)+2(x+2)$$
Or, $$x(x+6)(x+2)+2(x+2)$$
Or, $$(x+2)(x(x+6)+2)$$
Or, $$(x+2)(x^2+6x+2)$$
Solving the second equation for x will give $$x= -3 +\sqrt{7}$$
and $$x=-3-\sqrt{7}$$
and $$x=-2$$ 
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