Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factoring
Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together yield the original expression. This is essential in algebra for simplifying expressions, solving equations, and finding roots. In the context of polynomials, it often involves identifying common factors or applying techniques like grouping.
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Common Factors
Common factors are numbers or variables that are shared among terms in an expression. Identifying common factors is a crucial step in factoring, as it allows for the simplification of the expression. For example, in the expression 9b²x + 9b²y, the common factor is 9b², which can be factored out to simplify the expression.
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Graphs of Common Functions
Grouping
Grouping is a factoring technique used when an expression has four or more terms. It involves rearranging and grouping terms in pairs or sets to factor out common elements. This method is particularly useful when the expression does not have a single common factor across all terms, allowing for a systematic approach to simplify the expression.
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