Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

126 Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

2 x()x 3 + 55 () 33 −x

= 2 x(((()− − 5 (()−

Step 2. Determine the GCF for 2x(x− 3) and 5(x− 3).

GCF = (x− 3)

Step 3. Use the distributive property to factor (x − 3) from the expression.

2 x()x 3 − 55 ()x 3

=()− ()−

Factoring Four Terms

When you have four terms to factor, grouping the terms in pairs might yield

a quantity as a common factor.

Problem Factor by grouping in pairs.

a. x^2 + 2 x + 3 x + 6

b. ax+ by + ay + bx

Solution

a. x^2 + 2 x + 3 x + 6

Step 1. Group the terms in pairs that will yield a common factor.

xx^2 + 23623 xx 3 xxx

=()++ )+()( +

Step 2. Factor the common factor x out of the

fi rst term and the common factor 3 out of

the second term.

=x()++ )))++ (()( +

Step 3. Determine the GCF for x(x + 2) and 3(x + 2).

GCF = (x + 2)

Step 4. Use the distributive property to factor (x+ 2) from the expression.

=x()x+ )+^3 (()xx+

=()+ ()+

(x^2 + 2 x) + (3x + 6) ≠ (x^2 + 2 x)

(3x + 6). These quantities are

terms, not factors.