Factor out the GCF, if possible
-6x^5y^5 + 30x^4y^4 - 12x^3y^3

Question

Factor out the GCF, if possible 
 -6x^5y^5 + 30x^4y^4 - 12x^3y^3

mathteacher1729 · Answer

Let's take this apart bit by bit.  First, the integers: 
What is the GCF of (6, 30, and 12) ? 

What is the GCF of (x^5 , x^4 and x^3)? 

What is the GCF of (y^5, y^4 and y^3) ? 

Once you have that, then you're ready for the next step. :)

anonymous · Answer

I dont get it...

anonymous · Answer

:( I'll just try to do it myself if no one can help..

mathteacher1729 · Answer

Do you understand what GCF means? That is critical to this problem.

turingtest · Answer

What is the GCF of (x^5 , x^4 and x^3) is a good example.
The GFC of these is x^3 because this is a factor of all the others:

x^5=x^3(x^2)
x^4=x^3(x)
x^3=x^3(1)

or use 12 and 16:

12=4*3
16=4*4

they both share a 4, so the GFC of 12 and 16 is 4

anonymous · Answer

$$-6 x^5 y^5+30 x^4 y^4-12 x^3 y^3=-6 x^3 y^3 \left(x^2 y^2-5 x y+2\right)  $$