Common Monomial Factor
How to factor a polynomial by using the common monomial factor of the terms: 2 examples and their solutions.
ExampleFactor x3 + 3x
Solution
Solution (Detail)
First write the greatest common factor of
x3 and +3x:
x.
This x is the common monomial factor.
Write, x3/x, x2 in the parenthesis.
Quotient of Powers
Write, +3x/x, +3 in the parenthesis.
So
x(x2 + 3)
is the answer.
ExampleFactor a2 - 2ab + 4a
Solution
Solution (Detail)
First write the greatest common factor of
a2, -2ab, and +4a:
a.
This a is the common monomial factor.
Write, a2/a, a in the parenthesis.
Write, -2ab/a, -2b.
And write, +4a/a, +4 in the parenthesis.
So
a(a - 2b + 4)
is the answer.