Question

How do you factor `10a^2+40a`?

Answer 1

`10a(a+4)`

Explanation:

Expression `= 10a^2+40a`

First notice that 10 is a factor of both terms.

`:.` Expression `= 10(a^2+4a)`

Now notice that `a` is a factor of both terms in parentheses

`:.` Expression `= 10a(a+4)`
No further factorisation of the expression is possible.

Answer 2

`10a (a + 4)`

Explanation:

When factoring, you have to take out the variable(s) (in this case `a`) and number(s) `(10)` that can be divided out of the equation, they must be divided by each part of the expression.

`10a` can be divided out of the expression only because it can be divided from both.

To double check, multiply the factorized version to make sure it equals the original equation.