How do I factor out the coefficient Of the variable

Question

(fraction) 1/4y+3/8

-5p+20

 

Answer 1

When we factor out, we try to take a number that is in common with all parts and set it outside.

1/4y + 3/8

We need to factor out a 1/4 out. Since we're dealing with fractions, this can be a little messy:

¹/₄ * x = ³/₈

1 * x = ^3*4/₈

x = ¹²/₈

³/₂

 

So when we factor a 1/4 out of the second term, we get 3/2:

¹/₄(y + ³/₂)

 

- 5p + 20

This problem wants to trip you up in a particular fashion. Not only is there the 5 (easy enough), there is also a negative in there. Let's start with the easy part:

5(-p + 4)

 

There is still the negative one attached to the p, so we need to factor that out too by multiplying by -1 and pull that out of the parentheses as well:

-5(p - 4)