5155179
Factor out the greatest common factor from each expression.
a) \(15u^4v^2 + 10u^2v^3\)
b) \(14x^5 - 21x^3\)
c) \(9a^2b - 6ab^2 + 3ab\)
Hints
- Find the greatest common factor of the coefficients.
- For each variable shared by all terms, use its smallest exponent.
- When an entire term is factored out, a factor of \(1\) remains.
Solution
1. a) The greatest common factor is \(5u^2v^2\), so the expression factors as \(5u^2v^2(3u^2 + 2v)\).
2. b) The greatest common factor is \(7x^3\), so the expression factors as \(7x^3(2x^2 - 3)\).
3. c) The greatest common factor is \(3ab\), so the expression factors as \(3ab(3a - 2b + 1)\).
Answer
a) \(5u^2v^2(3u^2 + 2v)\)
b) \(7x^3(2x^2 - 3)\)
c) \(3ab(3a - 2b + 1)\)
