Question

How do you factor `7x + 7y + rx + ry`?

Answer 1

(x + y)(7 +r)

Explanation:

group the terms into 'pairs' as follows :

[ 7x + 7y ] + [ rx + ry ]

now factor each pair

hence: 7(x + y ) + r(x + y )

There is a common factor of (x + y) which can be taken out.

thus: (x + y)(7 + r)