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Assignment: Simplify Using Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

For each rational expression, identify the greatest common factor (GCF), write the expression in
factored form, and simplify. Show all work leading to your answer.

1.
4
3
27
3
a
a





2.
5
2 6
15
25
m n
m n





3.
4 6
3
x x
x





4.
5
9 4
a
a a





5.
2
4
3
5
b b
b





6.
2 3 2 2
3 4
9
2
x y x y
x y





GCF of 27 and 3 is 3.
GCF of 4 and 3 is a or 1.
Answer: 3a
GCF of 1 and 2 is .
GCF of and 2 is or 1.
GCF of 1 and is n or 1.
Answer: n
GCF is 3.
Answer:


GCF is 4.
Answer: a 4

a a
GCF is 1.
Answer: 3 3 2


GCF of and 2 is 2.
GCF of 2 and 3 is 2.
GCF of 4 and 2 is 2.
Answer: 2 3 1 3 3

2

K12 Inc.
7.
3
4 2
21
7 14
y
y y





8.
4 3 2
2
6 12 3
9
x x x
x





9.
5 3
3 4 5 3
2 10
4 12
p q pq
p q p q






10. Imagine you are trying to help another Algebra 1 student learn how to simplify rational
expressions using the GCF. To help the student, write your own example of a rational
expression and demonstrate how to simplify the expression using the GCF.

a. Write a rational expression with a GCF that has both a numeric part and a
variable part.




b. Identify the GCF and show how you can simplify your rational expression using
the GCF.




c. To help the student remember the procedure, write 2-3 sentences describing
how you simplified your rational expression using the GCF.

3 2
GCF: 3 2 1
GCF of 12 3 is 3.
GCF od 4 3 2 2 is 2.
Answer: 17 4
12 3
3
GCF is 2.
Answer: 3 14 2
Answer: 12 3 2 2 4 7
Af er i o e f oo ed a e o er ar s of e e ression. en ed o e f fro
ea er o a e i easier.