Try rewriting the expression as one common factor multiplied by a bracket: something like $(x - 2)[\text{something}]$. What should go inside the bracket?

After you write $(x - 2)[(x + 5) - (3x - 1)]$, carefully simplify the part inside the brackets, then see if that new binomial can be factored further to match one of the choices.

In the first Desmos line, type the original expression as a function, for example: y1 = (x - 2)(x + 5) - (x - 2)(3x - 1).

On new lines, enter each option as a function: y2 = (x - 2)(x - 3), y3 = 2(x - 2)(x - 3), y4 = (x - 2)(x + 3), and y5 = -2(x - 2)(x - 3).

Look at the graphs: the correct choice will be the one whose graph lies exactly on top of the graph of y1 for all visible x-values (they should be indistinguishable). That option is the expression equivalent to the original.

Notice that both terms contain the factor $(x - 2)$:

Use the distributive property in reverse (factoring):

Now simplify the expression inside the square brackets:

Combine like terms:

• Combine $x$ and $-3x$: $x - 3x = -2x$.
• Combine $5$ and $1$: $5 + 1 = 6$.

So the bracket becomes $-2x + 6$, and the expression is

Factor $-2x + 6$:

• Both terms have a common factor of $-2$.

Now substitute this back into the expression:

Use associativity (you can regroup multiplication) to write

So the original expression is equivalent to $-2(x - 2)(x - 3)$, which matches answer choice D.