why should you find the GCF in a problem before solving?

Question

imstuck · Answer

Because simplifying something before you have to work with it is always easier!

eriyalovesu · Answer

k thxs

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

@eriyalovesu is that all it asks? Or is there more to the problem? Or is it referencing a previous problem somewhere in your book?

eriyalovesu · Answer

thats all the question asks but its under polynomials and things like that

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

is the lesson about factoring?

eriyalovesu · Answer

yep

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

so let's say we had 2x^2 + 10x + 12

Factoring out the GCF 2 would get us this 2(x^2+5x+6)

from here, we would factor x^2+5x+6 to get (x+3)(x+2)

So overall, 2x^2 + 10x + 12 factors to 2(x+3)(x+2)

You could still factor if you didn't pull out the GCF, but it makes things a bit more tricky. If possible, always try to factor out the GCF to make things a bit easier.

eriyalovesu · Answer

THANK YOU!!!! @jim_thompson5910

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

you're welcome