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Identify the factors in each term.
In the expression
, list the factors of the
first term:
second term:
third term:
8, , ; , ; 6 and 1 or 3 and 2
In the expression
, list the factors of the
first term:
second term:
10 and 1 or 5 and 2; 2, , ,
Name the common factors in each expression.
.
The factor appears in each and every term. The expression is a common factor.
.
The factor appears in each term. The term is actually . Thus, is a common factor.
.
The only factor common to all three terms is the number 3. (Notice that .)
.
The number 5, the , and the appear in each term. Also, is a factor (since each of the individual quantities is joined by a multiplication sign). Thus, is a common factor.
.
There is no factor that appears in each and every term. Hence, there are no common factors in this expression.
List, if any appear, the common factors in the following expressions.
means there are .
means there are four .
means there are ten .
means there is one . We usually write just rather than since it is clear just by looking that there is only one .
means there are seven .
means there are five . It could also mean there are . This example shows us that it is important for us to be very clear as to which quantity we are working with. When we see the expression we must ask ourselves "Are we working with the quantity or the quantity ?".
means there are six . It could also mean there are . It could even mean there are .
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