Factoring involves rewriting a polynomial as a product of simpler polynomials or factors. Once you have identified the greatest common factor, you can factor it out. Here鈥檚 how you factor the initial polynomial:
Take the polynomial **15x虏 - 5x + 5**. We determined the GCF is 5. Now, divide each term by this GCF:
- 15x虏 divided by 5 gives 3x虏
- -5x divided by 5 gives -x
- 5 divided by 5 gives 1
So, the factored form is 5(3x虏 - x + 1).
By factoring, we simplify the polynomial and can solve or analyze it more easily. Factoring is foundational in algebra, helping solve equations and simplify expressions.