Question

Factor: 6f4 - 24f2

Answer 1

To factor we find the LCD common denominator. Can you think of a common denominator that,
6 and 24 have? That's right, 6 is the lowest!

so divide your terms by 6,

6f^4 - 24f^2
-- ---
6 6

Now we have 6(f^4 - 4f^2),

We can factor this further. Look at the square numbers, does it look like they can be factored? Well, yes they can! Remember, when factoring in most cases the second term in the parenthesis will have no coefficient. We can say that,

6f^2(f^2 - 4)

Now let's see if this is true by using the distribution property to undo the factoring we just performed:

6f^4 - 24f^2, yes it works! :)

Regards, Compassionate.