Write the expression below as a product of two factors

Question

12m + 8n - 4

Answer 1

Dear Topo,

     Here is an example very similar to the one you did:  9x+6Y-3.    

Now, find the greatest common factor for each term.  This number you will be able to factor out from each term.

  9 =   3*3                    

  6 =2*3  

  -3=   3*   -1

 

Factor*Factor=Product    Here there are two factors multiplied together that give you the product.

3(3X+2Y-1)=   9X+6Y-3

 

Now, let's do your example: 12m+8n-4.     Here are the factors:  12=3*4 or 6*2.   8=4*2  and -4=4*-1

 

 

Rewrite the problem using "4."   Factor out "4" from each term:  4(3m  +_____n  -1).  Just complete the problem, and you are done.

If I helped you, please give me a thumbs up.

 

                                                Susan C.

Answer 2

Another way that this problem could have been stated:

 

Find the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) of the three terms and factor the trinomial.

 

The GCF is "4", that is 4 divides all three terms evenly. So the original expression can be re-written as:

 

4(3m+2n-1).

 

Written in this way 4 is a factor and the quantity (3m+2n-1) is another factor.