How do we factorise an expression?

Step 1: Find the highest common factor of the terms in the expression eg. 3x+12. In this expression 3 is the highest common factor of the terms 3x and 12 Step 2: Write the factor outside the brackets eg. 3x+12= 3 (  ) Step 3: Work out what you need to multiply the factor by to get each term in the original expression eg. 3* x = 3x 3*4=12 3x+12 =3 (x  4) Step 4: Write the + or - sign from the original expression inside the brackets eg. 3x + 12 = 3 (x + 4)

ML
Answered by Maria L. Maths tutor

3118 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A farmer has 30 boxes of eggs. There are 6 eggs in each box. Write, as a ratio, the number of eggs in two boxes to the total number of eggs. Give your answer in its simplest form.


can you show me how to solve simultaneous equations?


Find the value(s) of x which satisfies the equation 3x^2 + 6x + 3 = 0


Find the inverse function of f(x)=5/(x-4)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning