1. Factoring EX: (22x – 4) = 2(11x – 2)
Factoring is the opposite of distributing (rainbow arrows).
It brings a number out of the parenthesis instead of putting it in.
EX: (22x – 4) = (11x – 2)
expanded form factored form

2. Going from Expanded to Factored form:
Find the Greatest Common Factor between all values in the expression
Put the GCF outside of ( )
Example: the GCF of 3 and 18 is 3.

3. Take the first value and divide it by the GCF
 (3x + 18) 3x divided by 3 = 1x
Take the second value and divide it by the GCF
(3x + 18) 18 divided by 3 = 6
Rewrite expression with the factor out of ()
3(x + 6)

4. Example Factor (16x + 40) Find the GCF 8
Factor the GCF out of the parenthesis
8(2x + 5)
Check by distribution
8(2x + 5) = 16x + 40

5. Practice
(9x + 27)
9(x + 3)
(12x2 + 18x)
6x(2x + 3)