Question

What is the GCF of the terms of `8c ^ { 3} + 12c ^ { 2} + 10c`?

Answer 1

The GCF is 2c.

Explanation:

What I like to do is first start with the variables.

Look at the terms (remember close enough to spread a germ you're a term.) We have `8c^3`, `12c^2`, and `10c`. Each term has a c, so that is a common factor. Then look for the smallest exponent attached to a c. Don't forget if you don't see an exponent, the exponent is a 1.

Now just look at the number, you have 8, 12, and 10. Think what number goes into all three numbers. They are all even so you know at least 2 goes into each term.

Divide each number by 2 to see if there is anything else that can come out of the terms. `8/2 = 4` ,`12/2 =6`, and `10/2 = 5`.

Review these values - 4, 6, and 5. Is there a number that goes into each of these? NOPE....so the GCF is 2. If you could...repeat the dividing, until the values can't get any smaller.

Combine the number GCF with the variable to get 2c.

If you need to remove the GCF your statement looks like ...`2c( 4c^2 + 6c+ 5)`