Factoring algebraic expressions using the distributive property

Factoring algebraic expressions using the distributive property
Description
Exercise Name:	Factoring algebraic expressions using the distributive property
Math Missions:	Algebra basics Math Mission, Mathematics I Math Mission, Algebra I Math Mission, Mathematics II Math Mission
Types of Problems:	1

The Factoring algebraic expressions using the distributive property exercise appears under the Algebra basics Math Mission, Mathematics I Math Mission, Algebra I Math Mission and Mathematics II Math Mission. This exercise practices using the distributive property backwards, in other words, factoring.

Types of Problems

There is one type of problem in this exercise:

1. Factor out the GCF: This problem provides a linear binomial. The user is asked to factor out the GCF and provide the answer in a factored form in a space that is provided on the right.

   

   Factor out the GCF

Strategies

Knowledge of the distributive property is all that is required to complete this exercise.

1. Not all of these will factor. If there is no GCF, i.e. the GCF is one, just rewrite the original binomial to receive credit.
2. At this stage the problem is effectively asking for the GCF of the coefficients to be factored out.
3. Answers can be checked by distributing out and verifying that the original binomial is found.

Real-life Applications

1. Polynomials can be used via power series to represent many complicated functions and calculus is simpler to perform on polynomials than other functions. Thus any comfort with polynomials should increase calculus ability.
2. Knowledge of algebra is essential for higher math levels like trigonometry and calculus. Algebra also has countless applications in the real world.