Question

Can someone please help me answer this math question? Please? I'll fan and give a medal!!
Question -
Factor using a method that works best showing the steps -
125a^4 – 5a^2b2
(Hint: Try GCF first, then see if the result can be factored further.)

Answer 1

@jim_thompson5910 could you try to help me with this question? please?

Answer 2

What do you get as the GCF?

Answer 3

1?

Answer 4

To take the GCF you need to find the biggest common numbers or most amount of variables. You would start with constants, then move onto variables.
I get 5a^2.

Answer 5

Do you understand how to do that?

Answer 6

to be honest I don't really understand ... the b2 isn't b^2

Answer 7

http://www.mathplanet.com/education/pre-algebra/discover-fractions-and-factors/finding-the-greatest-common-factor

Answer 8

Sir/ma'am, I don't understand how you got 5a^2

Answer 9

Well out of the 125 and 10 (same as 5*2), since they are like terms, the GCF is 5. The GCF of a^4 and a^2 would be a^2. Since there is no b in the first number, the GCF does not exist.

Answer 10

You multiply the 5 and a^2 together, which gives you your GCF.

Answer 11

So step 1 would be Step 1: 5*a^2

Answer 12

Correct. Then you would take that out of each section. You are, in a sense, backwards distributing.

Answer 13

okay umm, would you mind showing me this step? I don't understand what you mean but I thinnk i'll understand if you show me

Answer 14

Well you divide both parts, by the GCF. You cross off like terms.

Answer 15

so like this ?
125a^4 – 5a^2b2
125/10 = 12.5
5/10 = 0.5
2/10=5
?

Answer 16

No. Hold on.