How to factor out the coefficient of the variable?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how to factor out the coefficient in a mathematical expression involving a variable. It is looking for the process or method to extract the coefficient from the variable term.
Answer
The factored expression is $6(x + 2)$.
Answer for screen readers
The expression $6x + 12$ factored is $6(x + 2)$.
Steps to Solve
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Identify the expression Begin by identifying the expression where you need to factor out the coefficient. For example, consider the expression $6x + 12$.
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Determine the coefficient Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the coefficients. Here, the coefficients are 6 and 12, and the GCF is 6.
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Factor out the coefficient Rewrite the expression by factoring out the GCF. For our example: $$6x + 12 = 6(x + 2)$$
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Verify the factorization To ensure that the factorization is correct, distribute the factored term and check if you obtain the original expression: $$6(x + 2) = 6x + 12$$ This verifies that the factorization is correct.
The expression $6x + 12$ factored is $6(x + 2)$.
More Information
Factoring out the coefficient helps simplify expressions and is a useful skill in algebra. It makes it easier to solve equations or simplify further.
Tips
- Forgetting to find the greatest common factor.
- Incorrectly distributing back to check the factorization.
- Not simplifying the expression completely.
