1. Factoring

2. Factoring
Factoring expressions is the same as simplifying expressions, only you are working backwards. Instead of asking, “How can I combine like terms?” one should ask, “How can I separate terms?” All you need to do is find the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) and pull it out of everything! For example… 15x – 3 = 3(5x -1) 3x2 + 5x =x(3x + 5) 6x2 – 10x =2x(3x – 5) -4x3 – 8x2 + 12x =4x(-x2 – 2x + 3)

3. Practice Factor the following expressions: 13x2 – 7x 5x2 – 10x + 15
14ab – 2a + 4b
12xy – 3x
-6x2y – 10xy + 15x
Solve the expressions if a = -2, b = 3, x = -1, and y = 1. Is it easier to solve in the simplified form or the factored form?