Finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) in polynomial expressions might seem a bit challenging at first. But don’t worry! Once you learn the steps, it becomes much easier. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:
List the Coefficients: Start by writing down the numbers in front of the variables for each term. For example, in the expression 2x³ + 4x² - 6x, the coefficients are 2, 4, and -6.
Find the GCF of the Coefficients: Next, you want to find the biggest number that can evenly divide each of the coefficients. In our example, the GCF of 2, 4, and -6 is 2.
Identify the Variables: Now, look at the variables in each term. If they have a variable in common, take the one with the smallest exponent. Here, we have x³, x², and x. The smallest exponent is just x.
Combine the GCF: Now, put together the GCF of the coefficients and the variable part. So, in this case, it will be 2x.
Factor It Out: Finally, rewrite the original expression by factoring out 2x. It will look like this:
2x(x² + 2x - 3)
By following these easy steps, you can find and factor out the GCF from any polynomial. Give it a try!
Finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) in polynomial expressions might seem a bit challenging at first. But don’t worry! Once you learn the steps, it becomes much easier. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:
List the Coefficients: Start by writing down the numbers in front of the variables for each term. For example, in the expression 2x³ + 4x² - 6x, the coefficients are 2, 4, and -6.
Find the GCF of the Coefficients: Next, you want to find the biggest number that can evenly divide each of the coefficients. In our example, the GCF of 2, 4, and -6 is 2.
Identify the Variables: Now, look at the variables in each term. If they have a variable in common, take the one with the smallest exponent. Here, we have x³, x², and x. The smallest exponent is just x.
Combine the GCF: Now, put together the GCF of the coefficients and the variable part. So, in this case, it will be 2x.
Factor It Out: Finally, rewrite the original expression by factoring out 2x. It will look like this:
2x(x² + 2x - 3)
By following these easy steps, you can find and factor out the GCF from any polynomial. Give it a try!