Expert: andy vong - 8/22/2007

Question
What does it mean to factor in this case? I need to factor 4s + 16t. How do I do this?

Answer
Hi Joseph,


Factor means to break number(s) into their products.  In this case you are given two numbers to break down, 4s and 16t. Begin by factoring each number :  4s can be broken down using 4*1*s and 16t can be broken down using 4*4*t.  Notice that other factors can be used but look for the greatest common factor between the terms.  In this case it is 4.  Now factor the binomial.  4(s  4t) = 4s   16t.