Factorising Simple Expressions

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Factorising Simple Expressions

Factorising is the reverse process to that of removing brackets. An expression is put into bracket by taking out common factors.

Examples

Factorise...

1) 8x +12

=4(2x + 3)

In this example, you look for the highest common factor of 8 and 12, in this case it's 4. Therefore, the number 4 goes outside the brackets. 4x2=8, 4x3=12.

2) 12x - 3y

=3(4x - y)

3) 20a + 40b

=20(a +2b)

4) 5x + x squared

=x(5 + x)

For number 4, x is the highest common factor.

Factorising Simple Expressions