Factor 24x^2-42x I know how to factor but there is only two terms? I am confused. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could help:)
well, we can surely take 2 x out
2 x (12 x- 21)
oh, grab a three
6 x (4 x - 7)
To factor the expression 24x^2 - 42x, you can use a method called factoring by grouping. Although there are only two terms, we can still factor it by recognizing a common factor in both terms.
1. Start by finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of the coefficients 24 and 42. In this case, the GCF is 6.
GCF(24, 42) = 6.
2. Factor out the GCF from each term:
24x^2 / 6 = 4x^2
- 42x / 6 = -7x
3. Now you have a common factor of 6, so you can factor it out:
6(4x^2 - 7x)
At this point, you might realize that the expression (4x^2 - 7x) cannot be factored further. Therefore, the fully factored form of the expression 24x^2 - 42x is:
6(4x^2 - 7x)