Factoring the GCF of the Given Expression

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 93 views

Introduction

Factoring the greatest common factor (GCF) of an algebraic expression is a fundamental concept in algebra that helps simplify complex expressions and solve equations. In this article, we will focus on factoring the GCF of the given expression: $12x^3y + 6x^2y^2 - 9xy^3$ . We will explore the different options provided and determine the correct factorization of the GCF.

Understanding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

The GCF of an algebraic expression is the largest expression that divides each term of the expression without leaving a remainder. In other words, it is the product of the common factors of the terms in the expression. To factor the GCF, we need to identify the common factors of the terms and multiply them together.

Factoring the GCF of the Given Expression

Let's analyze the given expression: $12x^3y + 6x^2y^2 - 9xy^3$ . We can see that each term has a common factor of $3xy$ . Therefore, we can factor out the GCF as follows:

12x^3y + 6x^2y^2 - 9xy^3 = 3xy(4x^2 + 2xy - 3y^2)

Evaluating the Options

Now that we have factored the GCF, let's evaluate the options provided:

Option A: $3x^2y(4x + 2xy - 3)$
Option B: $3xy(4x + 2xy - 3y^2)$
Option C: $3xy(4x^2 + 2xy - 3y^2)$
Option D: $3x^2y(4x^3y - 2x^2y^2 - 3xy^3)$

We can see that only Option C matches our factored GCF.

Conclusion

In conclusion, factoring the GCF of an algebraic expression is a crucial concept in algebra that helps simplify complex expressions and solve equations. By identifying the common factors of the terms and multiplying them together, we can factor the GCF and simplify the expression. In this article, we factored the GCF of the given expression: $12x^3y + 6x^2y^2 - 9xy^3$ and determined that the correct factorization of the GCF is $3xy(4x^2 + 2xy - 3y^2)$ .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When factoring the GCF, it's essential to avoid common mistakes such as:

Not identifying the common factors of the terms
Not multiplying the common factors together
Not checking the options provided

By being aware of these common mistakes, we can ensure that we factor the GCF correctly and simplify the expression accurately.

Real-World Applications

Factoring the GCF has numerous real-world applications in various fields such as:

Physics: Factoring the GCF is used to simplify complex equations and solve problems related to motion, energy, and momentum.
Engineering: Factoring the GCF is used to simplify complex equations and solve problems related to circuit analysis, signal processing, and control systems.
Computer Science: Factoring the GCF is used to simplify complex algorithms and solve problems related to data compression, encryption, and coding theory.

Final Thoughts

Q: What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of an algebraic expression?

A: The GCF of an algebraic expression is the largest expression that divides each term of the expression without leaving a remainder. It is the product of the common factors of the terms in the expression.

Q: How do I identify the common factors of the terms in an algebraic expression?

A: To identify the common factors of the terms in an algebraic expression, you need to look for the factors that are present in each term. For example, in the expression $12x^3y + 6x^2y^2 - 9xy^3$ , the common factors are $3xy$ .

Q: How do I factor the GCF of an algebraic expression?

A: To factor the GCF of an algebraic expression, you need to multiply the common factors together. For example, in the expression $12x^3y + 6x^2y^2 - 9xy^3$ , the GCF is $3xy$ , so you can factor it as follows:

12x^3y + 6x^2y^2 - 9xy^3 = 3xy(4x^2 + 2xy - 3y^2)

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when factoring the GCF?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when factoring the GCF include:

Not identifying the common factors of the terms
Not multiplying the common factors together
Not checking the options provided

Q: What are some real-world applications of factoring the GCF?

A: Factoring the GCF has numerous real-world applications in various fields such as:

Physics: Factoring the GCF is used to simplify complex equations and solve problems related to motion, energy, and momentum.
Engineering: Factoring the GCF is used to simplify complex equations and solve problems related to circuit analysis, signal processing, and control systems.
Computer Science: Factoring the GCF is used to simplify complex algorithms and solve problems related to data compression, encryption, and coding theory.

Q: How do I determine the correct factorization of the GCF?

A: To determine the correct factorization of the GCF, you need to check the options provided and see which one matches the factored GCF. In the case of the expression $12x^3y + 6x^2y^2 - 9xy^3$ , the correct factorization of the GCF is $3xy(4x^2 + 2xy - 3y^2)$ .

Q: What are some tips for factoring the GCF?

A: Some tips for factoring the GCF include:

Identify the common factors of the terms
Multiply the common factors together
Check the options provided
Use algebraic techniques such as factoring by grouping or factoring by difference of squares

Q: How do I apply factoring the GCF to solve problems in algebra?

A: To apply factoring the GCF to solve problems in algebra, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the common factors of the terms in the expression
Multiply the common factors together
Simplify the expression
Check the options provided

By following these steps, you can apply factoring the GCF to solve problems in algebra and simplify complex expressions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, factoring the GCF of an algebraic expression is a fundamental concept in algebra that helps simplify complex expressions and solve equations. By identifying the common factors of the terms and multiplying them together, we can factor the GCF and simplify the expression. We hope that this Q&A article has provided valuable insights and helped you understand the concept of factoring the GCF.