Check for any remaining common factors

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 129 views

Introduction

When it comes to factoring polynomials, it's essential to understand the concept of factors and how they relate to the terms within the polynomial. In this article, we will delve into the factors of 7a^2b in the given polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b. We will explore the concept of factoring, identify the factors of 7a^2b, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to factor the polynomial.

Understanding Factors

Factors are the numbers or expressions that are multiplied together to get another number or expression. In the context of polynomials, factors are the terms that are multiplied together to get the polynomial. For example, in the polynomial 2x^2 + 5x + 3, the factors are 2x^2, 5x, and 3.

Identifying the Factors of 7a^2b

To identify the factors of 7a^2b, we need to look for the common factors between the terms in the polynomial. In this case, the polynomial is 8ab^2 + 7a^b. We can see that both terms have a common factor of 7a^b.

Factoring the Polynomial

To factor the polynomial, we need to identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the two terms. In this case, the GCF is 7a^b. We can factor out the GCF from both terms to get:

8ab^2 + 7a^b = 7a^b(8b + 1)

Step-by-Step Guide to Factoring the Polynomial

Here's a step-by-step guide to factoring the polynomial:

Identify the GCF: The GCF of the two terms is 7a^b.
Factor out the GCF: Factor out the GCF from both terms to get 7a^b(8b + 1).
Check for any remaining common factors: After factoring out the GCF, check if there are any remaining common factors between the terms. In this case, there are no remaining common factors.
Write the factored form: Write the factored form of the polynomial, which is 7a^b(8b + 1).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the factors of 7a^2b in the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b are 7a^b. We identified the GCF of the two terms, factored out the GCF, and wrote the factored form of the polynomial. This article has provided a step-by-step guide on how to factor the polynomial and has highlighted the importance of identifying the GCF in factoring polynomials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GCF of the two terms? The GCF of the two terms is 7a^b.
How do I factor out the GCF? To factor out the GCF, divide both terms by the GCF.
What is the factored form of the polynomial? The factored form of the polynomial is 7a^b(8b + 1).

Additional Resources

Factoring Polynomials: A comprehensive guide to factoring polynomials, including examples and exercises.
Greatest Common Factor (GCF): A tutorial on finding the GCF of two or more numbers.
Polynomial Factoring: A video tutorial on factoring polynomials, including examples and exercises.

Final Thoughts

Factoring polynomials is an essential skill in algebra and mathematics. By understanding the concept of factors and how to identify the GCF, you can factor polynomials with ease. This article has provided a step-by-step guide on how to factor the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b and has highlighted the importance of identifying the GCF in factoring polynomials.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the factors of 7a^2b in the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b. We identified the greatest common factor (GCF) of the two terms, factored out the GCF, and wrote the factored form of the polynomial. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about factoring the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b.

Q&A

Q: What is the GCF of the two terms in the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b?

A: The GCF of the two terms is 7a^b.

Q: How do I factor out the GCF from the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b?

A: To factor out the GCF, divide both terms by the GCF. In this case, you would divide both terms by 7a^b to get:

8ab^2 + 7a^b = 7a^b(8b + 1)

Q: What is the factored form of the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b?

A: The factored form of the polynomial is 7a^b(8b + 1).

Q: Can I factor the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b further?

A: No, the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b cannot be factored further. The factored form 7a^b(8b + 1) is the simplest form of the polynomial.

Q: How do I know if a polynomial can be factored?

A: A polynomial can be factored if it has a greatest common factor (GCF) that can be factored out. In this case, the GCF of the two terms is 7a^b, which can be factored out.

Q: What is the difference between factoring and simplifying a polynomial?

A: Factoring a polynomial involves breaking it down into simpler terms, while simplifying a polynomial involves combining like terms. In this case, we factored the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b by breaking it down into simpler terms, but we did not simplify it by combining like terms.

Q: Can I use the distributive property to factor the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b?

A: No, the distributive property is used to multiply polynomials, not to factor them. In this case, we used the distributive property to multiply the GCF by the remaining term, but we did not use it to factor the polynomial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, factoring the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b involves identifying the greatest common factor (GCF) of the two terms, factoring out the GCF, and writing the factored form of the polynomial. We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about factoring the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b, and we hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of how to factor polynomials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GCF of the two terms in the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b? The GCF of the two terms is 7a^b.
How do I factor out the GCF from the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b? To factor out the GCF, divide both terms by the GCF.
What is the factored form of the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b? The factored form of the polynomial is 7a^b(8b + 1).

Additional Resources

Factoring Polynomials: A comprehensive guide to factoring polynomials, including examples and exercises.
Greatest Common Factor (GCF): A tutorial on finding the GCF of two or more numbers.
Polynomial Factoring: A video tutorial on factoring polynomials, including examples and exercises.

Final Thoughts

Factoring polynomials is an essential skill in algebra and mathematics. By understanding the concept of factors and how to identify the greatest common factor (GCF), you can factor polynomials with ease. This article has provided a step-by-step guide on how to factor the polynomial 8ab^2 + 7a^b and has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about factoring polynomials.