how do you factor (2n-6)

Question

how do you factor (2n-6)

Answer 1

When they're asking about factoring, think division.

 

What number can you pull out of both the numbers you see?

 

(2n) and (-6)

 

They have to be divided evenly. Out of the 2n and the -6, you can divide a 2 out of each, evenly. Once you pull out the 2, ask yourself 2 times what will give me 2n (the first number in the parenthesis above this paragraph). 2 times (N) will give you 2n. So, the 'n' goes back inside the parenthesis. Next, ask yourself the same question about the second number above this paragraph: (-6). 2 times what will give you (-6). Well, 2 times (-3) will give you (-6). The answer to those three questions gives you the solution. The first answer  was 2. Put it outside the parenthesis. The second answer was 'n'. It goes on the inside of the parenthesis and the last answer was (-3). It goes inside the parenthesis too right after the 2. Answer: 2(n-3)

 

:)

 

Rana

Answer 2

Roccio, in case you didn't understand the other answer, factoring means that you take out any elements the terms have in common.  In this case, 2 can be "divided out" from 2n-6 for form

2(n-3).

 

Having the 2 outside the parenthesis indicates you would MULTPLY 2 by all the terms in the parenthesis. so 2 * n = 2n and 2 * 3 = 6.  That is how the answer 2 (n-3) was obtained from 2n-6.

 

Good luck!

 

Answer 3

The greatest common factor of 2n and 6 is 2, so divide each term by 2 and put the 2 outside the parentheses. Now what's left inside the parentheses is n-3, so your factorization is 2(n-3).

Answer 4

Hi Rocio;

There is only one way to factor this...

2(n-3)