Warm up Simplify

Factoring #1 GCF Factoring is the opposite of the distributive property. We are going to undo multiplication. Let’s try it!

Let’s review distributive property Look at the 2 nd step. Do you see the 3 in front of the x and the -4? 3 is called the greatest common factor for this problem.

The first step in factoring is to look for the GREATEST COMMON FACTOR in all of the terms. This is sometimes referred to as the obvious term as well. What is the Greatest Common Factor between 2 and 6? 2( ) If you answered 2 you are correct! Place that number OUTSIDE the ( ) 2(x + 3) Now divide both terms by 2 and place the remainder in the ( ). The GCF is the largest number that divides into ALL terms evenly.

Let’s try another one Think what is the Greatest number that can be taken out of each term? If you answered 3 you are correct do you remember where it should go in your answer? 3( ) Right! The 3 should remain on the outside of the ( ) Now finish factoring.

Let’s look at one more… What is the GCF for this problem? Correct! Remember that the GCF is in EVERY term and we can include variables!

Here are a few more 1) -40x 8 y 6 – 16x 9 y 5 2) -2x 3 -6x 2 y -8x 8 y 5 (5y + 2x) -2x 2 (x + 3y)

Now you try! 2(x – 5) 3w(10w + 1) 3y 3 (2y 6 -6y 2 – 5) 2(2x 2 + 6x -9)

Homework worksheet: Factoring #1