Rewriting the Expression in Factored Form

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 35 views

Introduction

In mathematics, factoring expressions is a crucial skill that helps us simplify complex equations and solve problems more efficiently. When given an expression in standard form, we can rewrite it in factored form by identifying the greatest common factor (GCF) and the difference of squares. In this article, we will explore the process of rewriting expressions in factored form, with a focus on entering the negative factor first and the largest coefficient of x first.

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the process of rewriting expressions in factored form, let's review the basics. A factored form is a way of expressing an algebraic expression as a product of simpler expressions, called factors. For example, the expression 6x + 12 can be factored as 2(3x + 6). The factored form is often easier to work with than the standard form, as it allows us to identify the common factors and simplify the expression.

Step 1: Identify the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

The first step in rewriting an expression in factored form is to identify the greatest common factor (GCF). The GCF is the largest factor that divides each term in the expression. To find the GCF, we can list the factors of each term and identify the common factors.

For example, let's consider the expression 25x^2 + 20x + 4. To find the GCF, we can list the factors of each term:

25x^2: 1, 5, 25, x, 5x, 25x
20x: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, x, 2x, 4x, 5x, 10x, 20x
4: 1, 2, 4

The common factors of the three terms are 1 and x. Therefore, the GCF is x.

Step 2: Factor Out the GCF

Once we have identified the GCF, we can factor it out of each term. To do this, we divide each term by the GCF and write the result as a product of the GCF and the remaining factor.

For example, let's factor out the GCF x from the expression 25x^2 + 20x + 4:

25x^2 ÷ x = 25x
20x ÷ x = 20
4 ÷ x = 4/x

Therefore, the expression 25x^2 + 20x + 4 can be factored as x(25x + 20 + 4/x).

Step 3: Simplify the Expression

Once we have factored out the GCF, we can simplify the expression by combining like terms. To do this, we can add or subtract the coefficients of the like terms.

For example, let's simplify the expression x(25x + 20 + 4/x):

25x + 20 + 4/x = 25x + 20 + 4/x
Combine like terms: 25x + 20 + 4/x = 25x + 20 + 4/x

Therefore, the expression x(25x + 20 + 4/x) cannot be simplified further.

Rewriting the Expression in Factored Form

Now that we have factored out the GCF and simplified the expression, we can rewrite it in factored form. To do this, we can write the expression as a product of the GCF and the remaining factor.

For example, let's rewrite the expression x(25x + 20 + 4/x) in factored form:

x(25x + 20 + 4/x) = (x)(25x + 20 + 4/x)

Therefore, the expression 25x^2 + 20x + 4 can be rewritten in factored form as (x)(25x + 20 + 4/x).

Conclusion

Rewriting expressions in factored form is an essential skill in mathematics that helps us simplify complex equations and solve problems more efficiently. By identifying the greatest common factor (GCF) and factoring it out of each term, we can rewrite an expression in factored form. In this article, we have explored the process of rewriting expressions in factored form, with a focus on entering the negative factor first and the largest coefficient of x first. By following these steps, we can rewrite any expression in factored form and simplify complex equations.

Example 1: Rewriting an Expression in Factored Form

Let's consider the expression 36x^2 + 24x + 4. To rewrite this expression in factored form, we can follow the steps outlined above.

Identify the GCF: The GCF of the three terms is 4.
Factor out the GCF: 36x^2 ÷ 4 = 9x^2, 24x ÷ 4 = 6x, 4 ÷ 4 = 1
Simplify the expression: 9x^2 + 6x + 1
Rewrite the expression in factored form: (3x + 1)(3x + 1)

Therefore, the expression 36x^2 + 24x + 4 can be rewritten in factored form as (3x + 1)(3x + 1).

Example 2: Rewriting an Expression in Factored Form

Let's consider the expression 49x^2 + 28x + 4. To rewrite this expression in factored form, we can follow the steps outlined above.

Identify the GCF: The GCF of the three terms is 7.
Factor out the GCF: 49x^2 ÷ 7 = 7x^2, 28x ÷ 7 = 4x, 4 ÷ 7 = 4/7
Simplify the expression: 7x^2 + 4x + 4/7
Rewrite the expression in factored form: (7x + 4/7)(7x + 4/7)

Therefore, the expression 49x^2 + 28x + 4 can be rewritten in factored form as (7x + 4/7)(7x + 4/7).

Example 3: Rewriting an Expression in Factored Form

Let's consider the expression 81x^2 + 36x + 4. To rewrite this expression in factored form, we can follow the steps outlined above.

Identify the GCF: The GCF of the three terms is 4.
Factor out the GCF: 81x^2 ÷ 4 = 20.25x^2, 36x ÷ 4 = 9x, 4 ÷ 4 = 1
Simplify the expression: 20.25x^2 + 9x + 1
Rewrite the expression in factored form: (3x + 1)(3x + 1)

Therefore, the expression 81x^2 + 36x + 4 can be rewritten in factored form as (3x + 1)(3x + 1).

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the process of rewriting expressions in factored form. We discussed the importance of identifying the greatest common factor (GCF) and factoring it out of each term. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about rewriting expressions in factored form.

Q: What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

A: The greatest common factor (GCF) is the largest factor that divides each term in an expression. It is the product of the common factors of the terms.

Q: How do I find the GCF of an expression?

A: To find the GCF of an expression, you can list the factors of each term and identify the common factors. You can also use the following steps:

List the factors of each term.
Identify the common factors.
Multiply the common factors to find the GCF.

Q: What is the difference between factoring and simplifying an expression?

A: Factoring an expression involves breaking it down into simpler expressions, called factors. Simplifying an expression involves combining like terms and reducing the expression to its simplest form.

Q: How do I factor out the GCF from an expression?

A: To factor out the GCF from an expression, you can follow these steps:

Identify the GCF of the expression.
Divide each term by the GCF.
Write the result as a product of the GCF and the remaining factor.

Q: What is the importance of rewriting expressions in factored form?

A: Rewriting expressions in factored form is important because it allows us to simplify complex equations and solve problems more efficiently. It also helps us to identify the common factors of an expression and to factor out the GCF.

Q: Can I rewrite an expression in factored form if it has no GCF?

A: Yes, you can rewrite an expression in factored form even if it has no GCF. In this case, you can use other factoring techniques, such as the difference of squares or the sum of cubes.

Q: How do I know if an expression can be rewritten in factored form?

A: You can determine if an expression can be rewritten in factored form by checking if it has a GCF. If it does, you can factor out the GCF and rewrite the expression in factored form.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when rewriting expressions in factored form?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when rewriting expressions in factored form include:

Not identifying the GCF correctly.
Not factoring out the GCF correctly.
Not simplifying the expression correctly.
Not checking if the expression can be rewritten in factored form.

Q: How can I practice rewriting expressions in factored form?

A: You can practice rewriting expressions in factored form by working through examples and exercises. You can also use online resources and practice tests to help you improve your skills.

Conclusion

Rewriting expressions in factored form is an essential skill in mathematics that helps us simplify complex equations and solve problems more efficiently. By identifying the greatest common factor (GCF) and factoring it out of each term, we can rewrite an expression in factored form. In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about rewriting expressions in factored form. We hope that this article has been helpful in improving your skills and understanding of this important concept.

Example 1: Rewriting an Expression in Factored Form

Let's consider the expression 36x^2 + 24x + 4. To rewrite this expression in factored form, we can follow the steps outlined above.

Identify the GCF: The GCF of the three terms is 4.
Factor out the GCF: 36x^2 ÷ 4 = 9x^2, 24x ÷ 4 = 6x, 4 ÷ 4 = 1
Simplify the expression: 9x^2 + 6x + 1
Rewrite the expression in factored form: (3x + 1)(3x + 1)

Therefore, the expression 36x^2 + 24x + 4 can be rewritten in factored form as (3x + 1)(3x + 1).

Example 2: Rewriting an Expression in Factored Form

Let's consider the expression 49x^2 + 28x + 4. To rewrite this expression in factored form, we can follow the steps outlined above.

Identify the GCF: The GCF of the three terms is 7.
Factor out the GCF: 49x^2 ÷ 7 = 7x^2, 28x ÷ 7 = 4x, 4 ÷ 7 = 4/7
Simplify the expression: 7x^2 + 4x + 4/7
Rewrite the expression in factored form: (7x + 4/7)(7x + 4/7)

Therefore, the expression 49x^2 + 28x + 4 can be rewritten in factored form as (7x + 4/7)(7x + 4/7).

Example 3: Rewriting an Expression in Factored Form

Let's consider the expression 81x^2 + 36x + 4. To rewrite this expression in factored form, we can follow the steps outlined above.

Identify the GCF: The GCF of the three terms is 4.
Factor out the GCF: 81x^2 ÷ 4 = 20.25x^2, 36x ÷ 4 = 9x, 4 ÷ 4 = 1
Simplify the expression: 20.25x^2 + 9x + 1
Rewrite the expression in factored form: (3x + 1)(3x + 1)

Therefore, the expression 81x^2 + 36x + 4 can be rewritten in factored form as (3x + 1)(3x + 1).

Conclusion

Rewriting expressions in factored form is an essential skill in mathematics that helps us simplify complex equations and solve problems more efficiently. By identifying the greatest common factor (GCF) and factoring it out of each term, we can rewrite an expression in factored form. In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about rewriting expressions in factored form. We hope that this article has been helpful in improving your skills and understanding of this important concept.