Question

How do you factor completely `4ax + 8ay + 3bx + 6by`?

Answer 1

Factor by grouping to find:

`4ax+8ay+3bx+6by=(4a+3b)(x+2y)`

Explanation:

Notice that the first two terms are both divisible by `4a` and the last two terms are both divisible by `3b`, so try factoring by grouping:

`4ax+8ay+3bx+6by`

`=(4ax+8ay)+(3bx+6by)`

`=4a(x+2y)+3b(x+2y)`

`=(4a+3b)(x+2y)`