Factorizing Using Common Factors

Quick Review

Expand:
1 3𝑎(5 − 2𝑎) 2 (𝑎 − 2)(𝑎 + 7) 3 (𝑥 − 5)+ 4 (𝑚 − 2)(𝑚 + 2)

Write down the factors of:

5 12 6 20 7 30

Write down the highest common factor (HCF) of:

8 12 and 20 9 12 and 30 10 20 and 30

To factorize an algebraic expression, first determine the highest common factor (HCF) of the terms and
insert grouping symbols, usually parentheses.

Example 1
Factorize each of the following by first determining the highest common factor (HCF).
(a) 2𝑥 + 6 (b) 10𝑥 + 15𝑦

(c) 2𝑚𝑛 + 𝑚 (d) 9𝑎𝑥 + 6𝑎

(e) 6𝑥 + − 20𝑥𝑦 (f) −4𝑎 − 8

(g) −𝑎+ + 3𝑎 (h) 4𝑥𝑦 + 6𝑥 + − 2𝑥𝑧

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