Factorize the following: 3x - 9
Understand the Problem
The question asks to factorize the algebraic expression 3x - 9. The task involves finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the coefficients and factoring it out of the expression.
Answer
$3(x-3)$
Answer for screen readers
$3(x-3)$
Steps to Solve
- Identify the terms in the expression
The given expression is $3x - 9$. It has two terms: $3x$ and $-9$.
- Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the coefficients
The coefficients are 3 and 9. The GCD of 3 and 9 is 3.
- Factor out the GCD from the expression
Factor out 3 from both terms: $3x - 9 = 3(x) - 3(3)$
- Write the factored expression
$3(x - 3)$
$3(x-3)$
More Information
Factoring is the reverse process of distribution. In this case, if you distribute the 3 back into the parentheses, you would get the original expression: $3 * x - 3 * 3 = 3x - 9$.
Tips
A common mistake is to only divide one term by the GCD. Remember to divide all terms by the GCD. Another mistake is to forget to include the factored number as part of the answer.
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