Expanding and Factoring Expressions

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together give the original expression.

Front

What does it mean to expand an expression?

Back

Expanding an expression means to multiply out the factors and simplify the expression into a sum or difference.

Front

Factor the expression: -8x - 10.

Back

-2(4x + 5)

Front

Expand and simplify: -4(2h + 3).

Back

-8h - 12

Front

Factor completely: 12x + 8y - 4z.

Back

4(3x + 2y - z)

Front

Factor the expression: -10m - 35.

Back

-5(2m + 7)

Front

Is the expression 10(x - 5) = 10x - 50 expanded correctly?

Back

Yes, this is right!

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, meaning you can distribute a factor across a sum.

Front

What is a common factor?

Back

A common factor is a number or expression that divides two or more numbers or expressions evenly.

Front

How do you identify the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers or expressions share.