B)
C)
D)
Here’s How to Crack It
Depending on what you see when you approach this problem, you may choose to solve with distribution
or factoring. You may notice that there is an f in each term of the expression. In this case, you may choose
to factor the expression to , but that doesn’t give you a possible answer; however, you can
eliminate (B), since is not equivalent to your expression. Now you are left with an
expression you may find hard to manipulate. Let’s go back and look at the mathematics behind our initial
factorization so the next step in the process will make more sense.
When you factor an f out of the expression, what you are really doing is this:
Multiply the expression by 1 so that you do not change the expression.
Distribute the .
Cancel where possible.