1. Factoring – Greatest Common Factor When factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF), determine the common factor by looking at the following: 1.Numerical coefficients 2.Each variable individually 3.Expressions in parentheses

2. Example 1: 1.Common numerical factor: 2.Common variable x: Therefore, the common factor is Hint: use the smallest exponent.

3. Finish the problem by asking what the common factor would be multiplied by to get the correct term in the original expression.

4. Example 2: 1.Common numerical factor: 2.Common variable x: 3.Common variable y: Therefore, the common factor is

5. Finish the problem by asking what the common factor would be multiplied by to get the correct term in the original expression.