Factoring by GCF
The first type of factoring that we are going to focus on is called Factoring by GCF or Greatest Common Factor.
How to factor a GCF
The factors of 24 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24
2. Determine the greatest common factor. In the example, while 1, 2, 3 and 6 are factors of 18 and 24, 6 is the greatest common factor
3. After finding the GCF, next take the GCF and divide each term by the GCF.
4. Looking at our example 18x + 24, we found the GCF was 6 so divide each term by 6 and what is left is 3x +4.
5. Last step is to put parenthesis around the "left overs" and put the GCF out front. So our final answer is 6(3x + 4).
**HINT: Make sure the factors in the parenthesis have nothing else in common. If they do the problem is not done!
I would like all students to watch this video. This will help with a more complicated problem.
Last thing that needs to be done is to go to this link and do the interactive worksheet. All students should be able to attain a 75%. Do the worksheet then hit "Check worksheet" a new screen will pop up and will say how many were correct. KEEP TRYING UNTIL 75% ARE CORRECT. Once there is a 75% at the top print that paper off and hand it to Mrs. Weller. Wait for further direction.
How to factor a GCF
- List all of the factors for each term in the expression. For example, if the given expression was 18x+24, factor 18 and 24. The "x" term cannot be factored further.
The factors of 24 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24
2. Determine the greatest common factor. In the example, while 1, 2, 3 and 6 are factors of 18 and 24, 6 is the greatest common factor
3. After finding the GCF, next take the GCF and divide each term by the GCF.
4. Looking at our example 18x + 24, we found the GCF was 6 so divide each term by 6 and what is left is 3x +4.
5. Last step is to put parenthesis around the "left overs" and put the GCF out front. So our final answer is 6(3x + 4).
**HINT: Make sure the factors in the parenthesis have nothing else in common. If they do the problem is not done!
I would like all students to watch this video. This will help with a more complicated problem.
Last thing that needs to be done is to go to this link and do the interactive worksheet. All students should be able to attain a 75%. Do the worksheet then hit "Check worksheet" a new screen will pop up and will say how many were correct. KEEP TRYING UNTIL 75% ARE CORRECT. Once there is a 75% at the top print that paper off and hand it to Mrs. Weller. Wait for further direction.