Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

124 Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

b. − 5 xy^2 − 10 xy

Step 1. Determine the GCF with a negative coeffi cient for − 5 xy^2 and 10xy.

GCF =− 5 xy

Step 2. Rewrite each term of the polynomial as an equivalent product of

− 5 xy and a second factor.

− 51 xy^2 − 0 xy

=− 5 xyx⋅−y 5 y⋅ 2

Step 3. Use the distributive property to factor

− 5 xy from the resulting expression.

= 55 xy⋅⋅y+++ 5 xy⋅ 2 = 555 xy(()( +

Think

  

Step 4. Review the main steps.

− 51 xy^2 − 05 xy=−xy()+

c.−x − y

Step 1. Insert the understood coeffi cients of 1.

−xy−

=− 11 xy− 1

Step 2. Use the distributive property to factor −1 from the polynomial.

=− 11 xy++− 1 =− (^1) ()++
Think

 

= −()++

Step 3. Review the main steps.

−xy− =−()++

d. − 2 x^3 + 4 x − 8

Step 1. Determine the GCF with a negative coeffi cient for − 2 x^3 , 4x, and −8.

GCF = − 2

Step 2. Rewrite each term of the polynomial as an equivalent product of − 2

and a second factor.

− 2 x^3 + 4 x − 8

=− 22 ⋅xx^32 ⋅− 24 x− 2 ⋅

Check signs



To avoid sign errors, it is often

helpful to mentally change a

minus symbol to “+ −.”