Can you please explain how a polynomial with a GCF in all of the terms is factored differently from one without. And include an example in your explanation.

Question

amistre64 · Answer

a common factor is simple enough to undistribute.... you simply pull it out of each term

5a+6a+7a = a(5+6+7)

when there is no common factor, it may be harder to produce a product rule

5x + 3y is not redily expressible as a multiplication of terms

amistre64 · Answer

... as a multiplication of *factors

anonymous · Answer

So what do you do to 5x + 3y?

amistre64 · Answer

hard to say, it was something off the top of my head.  If it was placed in some other context we might be able to work it, but as is its just something that is rather difficult to put into factors, if something cannot be factored it is said to be prime.

anonymous · Answer

Okay, thank you!!

amistre64 · Answer

youre welcome