Question

Simplify the following expression: -8x-18

Answer 1

-8x-18

factor out -2

-2(4x+9)

Answer 2

simplify the following expression: -8x-18

We can factor the given expression

We find out GCF: Greatest common factor

-8x= -1 * 2*2*2* x

-18 = -1 * 2*3*3

GCF of both -8x  and -18  is -1 * 2

That is -2

So GCF is -2

We pull out -2 from -8x -18

-8x - 18 = -2(4x + 9)

Both -8x  and -18 are like terms so -8x-18 cannot be simplified

But -8x -18 can be factored into -2(4x + 9)