How do I rewrite 6f+12fy using the distributive property?

Question

Do I divide and then use parenthesis?

Answer 1

To re-write using the distributive property, you need to find the greatest common factor (GCF) of 6f and 12fy.  The factors are:

 

Factors of 6f = 1, 2, 3, 6, f

Factors of 12fy = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, f, y

 

The GCF of 6f and 12fy is 6f:

 

6f + 12fy = 6f + 6f*2y  = 6f(1+2y)