Question

Can someone explain to me how I use distributive law to factor 40x + 12y plz?

Answer 1

40x and 12y don't have any variables in common, so you just have to focus on the coefficients.

What is the largest number that goes into both 40 and 12?

Answer 2

would that be 5?

Answer 3

no, 5 doesn't go into 12

Answer 4

If you're having trouble, list the factors for each number and see what the biggest one they have in common is.

Answer 5

ok that's what I'm doing now

Answer 6

ok

Answer 7

4

Answer 8

Right. So when you factor out the 4, write it outside parentheses. On the inside you're dividing by 4.

You don't actually have to write it like this. I just did it so you can see the division