Question

Factorise 2x-6

Answer 1

Do you know how to find the greatest common factor?

Answer 2

I vaguely remember how to

Answer 3

Okay, it's easy. You just need to list all the prime factors of the expression's terms. Your expression has a 2 and a 6. So, let's list the prime factors.
2: 2
6: 2 3
Now, we need to find the factor in common between the two terms. In your expression, it's 2. And since your second term (-6) doesn't have an x, the GCF is simply just 2.
Do you know what to do now?

Answer 4

Slightly, I understand how to find the GCF now, so is the answer just 2, or is there more to it?

Answer 5

There's more to it. :D
We need to put the GCF on the left side of a set of parenthesis.
2( )
Remember your original expression, 2x-6. You need to put a binomial in the parenthesis that would multiply by 2 to equal 2x-6.
So 2 times what equals 2x?
And then 2 times what equals -6?

Answer 6

Ahh, so is it 2(x-3)? or have I got it wrong?

Answer 7

No, that's perfect! And there's your answer :D

Answer 8

Thank you very much for the help! :D

Answer 9

No problem! :D

Answer 10

Okay, one more question, how do I factorise 2x(squared)+8x? I don't really understand how to factorise a square number, when there is a none squared number along with it. If that makes any sense at all..

Answer 11

You're trying to factor \[2x^2+8x\] correct?

Answer 12

That's correct

Answer 13

would it be x(x+4)?

Answer 14

Okay, so we will start by solving this one the same way. You have 2 and 8. Let's list the prime factors.
2: 2
8: 2 2 2
Since 2 and 8 both have a "2" in common, we use that in our GCF.
This one is different from your first problem, since both of your terms have one "x" in common. But since they do, we can add x our 2. So the GCF is 2x.
2x( )
Can you factor it out now?

You're close, by the way! :D

Answer 15

2x(x+4)?

Answer 16

Yeah! :D

Answer 17

Woohoo! Yet again, thank you very much! :D

Answer 18

You're welcome.. if you need help with anything else, just let me know. :D