How to factor 12x^2-16x?

Question

12x²-16x 

Answer 1

There are two terms in this expression:   12x² and (-16x).

 

First find the GCF to factor it out [note: that is, if the GCM is a factor of both terms, then it is a factor of the entire expression].

 

The terms are:

  12x²    = 2*2*3*x*x

  -16x    = (-1)*2*2*2*2*x

 

The GCF (Greatest Common Factor) is  2*2*x, so the expression becomes:

    4x(3x - 4)

 

Often, this expression may be further factored (that is, into the product of simpler factors), but this one can not.

Answer 2

We can factor out the GCF, which is 4x:

 

4x(3x - 4)

 

Our factors are 4x and 3x - 4.