1. Simplest Type of Factoring
Factoring with the GCF
Simplest Type of Factoring

2. Is there something common in ALL terms?
GCF= Greatest Common Factor
First look at the numbers. Is there a common factor with the numbers in all terms?
Next look at the variables. Is there a common (or more than one) variable each term?
You will use the one with the smallest exponent in your GCF

3. What you have found is the GCF
You will divide each term by the GCF.
This is basically working the Distributive Property backwards.

4. Try Factoring 4x2 – 6x
First look at the numbers. What will go into both 4 and 6?
Yes…2
Now look at the variables. Is there a variable(s) common to EACH term.
Yes…x
Use the one with the smallest exponent
Now divide each term by what you have found……2x

5. Factoring 4x2 – 6x
4x2÷2x – 6x÷2x
That will result in 2x(2x – 3)

6. Try These 3x2 + 12x 3x(x+4) Y4 + 8y3 – 16y2 Y2(y2 + 8y – 16)