Factoring Linear Expressions

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

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

Front

What is a linear expression?

Back

A linear expression is an algebraic expression in which the highest power of the variable is one, such as ax + b.

Front

Factor the expression: -8c - 8

Back

-4(2c + 2)

Front

Factor the expression: 12x - 20

Back

4(3x - 5)

Front

Factor the expression: -16x - 56

Back

-8(2x + 7)

Front

Factor the expression: 2x + 18

Back

2(x + 9)

Front

Factor the expression: 56 - 35p

Back

7(8 - 5p)

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers have in common.

Front

How do you find the GCF of 12 and 20?

Back

The GCF of 12 and 20 is 4.

Front

What does it mean to factor out a common factor?

Back

To factor out a common factor means to divide each term of an expression by the GCF and express the result in parentheses.