There are no common factors, therefore, it can't be factored. My advice would be to try simplifying and then try factoring. Because this you can't factor.
You find a common denominator, for example, if you want to subtract 3/4 minus 1/2 you would have to multiply 1/2 by 2/2, which equals 2/4, then you can do 3/4-2/4, which is 1/4. Sorry if it’s a bit confusing, hope it helps!
Given parameters:
First term of the sequence = x
Second term = x + 2
Third term = x + 4
Sum of the first three terms = 72
Unknown:
First term of the sequence = ?
Solution:
The sum of the first three terms is unknown;
(x) + (x + 2) + (x + 4) = 72
Solve for x;
x + x + 2 + x + 4 = 72
3x + 6 = 72
3x = 72 - 6
3x = 66
x =
= 22
The first term of the sequence is 22