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Algebra Homework Help : Factoring the GCF in Algebraic Expressions

Preparation Just what you need to know !

How to factor the GCF in an Algebraic Expression ?

Factoring the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) out of an algebraic expression involves three steps:
1. Find the GCF of all the terms in the algebraic expression.
2. Write the GCF outside the brackets.
3. Divide the terms in the original algebraic expression by the GCF and write them inside the brackets.

 

Example 1. 8x4 + 4x2−12x = 4x(2x3 + x − 3)
Here, the GCF is 4x.
Dividing each term in the original algebraic expression by 4x gives
8x4/(4x) = 2x3, 4x2/(4x) = x, and −12x/(4x) = −3.

 

Example 2. ab3 − 2a2b2 = ab2(b − 2a)
Here, the GCF is ab2.
Dividing each term in the original algebraic expression by ab2 gives
ab3/(ab2) = b, and −2a2b2/(ab2) = −2a.

 

Note that it is important to check the answer by expansion.


Practice Exercise for Algebra Module on Factoring GCF in Algebraic Expressions

 

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