Why can you not divide expressions by common factors?

With equations, e.g. 4x = 12, the 4x variable has a given value. This means you can apply the same changes to both sides (at the same time). For example, both sides can be divided by 4 to give x=3
However expressions, e.g. 4x + 12, do not have an equal sign. This means the value of x is unknown and is simply a variable and the expression cannot be changed. Instead the expression can be simplified, for example by factorisation 4(x+3).

FM
Answered by Fatima M. Maths tutor

2796 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Factorise fully 3x^2 -48


Find the co-ordinates of the turning point of the line with equation y = x^2 + ax + b that passes through (1, 47) and (2, 60)


find the integral of 1/x


Solve the simultaneous equations: x2 +y2 =5 and y = 3x + 1


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences