Step by step
The question
Question: factor 4x + 12.
Factor means: write it as a times, with brackets.
4x + 12
1 Take out the common factor
4 and 12 can both be divided by 4.
So the common factor is 4.
4, 12: all in the 4 times table
We divide every term by it.
What is left goes in the bracket.
4x ÷ 4 = x
12 ÷ 4 = 3
So it is 4(x + 3).
= 4(x + 3)
2 Check
Let's check: we multiply it back out.
The term in front times each part.
Check: 4(x + 3) = 4x + 12
We get 4x + 12 again.
So 4(x + 3) is right!
Let's look back.
First: take out the common factor.
Last: check.
Answer
= 4(x + 3)