Factoring x^2 - 7xy + 7ax - 49ay

N

nikkifi

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Sep 18, 2006
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Can someone explain factoring in terms that an algebra challenged person like me can understand?

I have an example problem....x^2-7xy+7ax-49ay....if the GCF is 1 then is this next step correct....(x^2-7xy) + (7ax-49ay)? If yes, where do I go from here? If no, HELP!!!

Thanks,

Nik
 
Try to factor so that you get the same thing inside the parentheses.

\(\displaystyle x(x-7y)+7a(x-7y)\)

See?. identical expressions inside the parentheses.

\(\displaystyle \L\\\underbrace{(x+7a)}_{\text{outside}}\underbrace{(x-7y)}_{\text{inside}}\)

\(\displaystyle \L\\(x+7a)(x-7y)\)
 
Ok

Ok, the step I listed, was that the second step in the solving of the problem? Was your response the answer? I just want to know if I'm at least on the right track....Only 2 1/2 weeks until this class is over...don't want to lose it now.

Thanks,

Nik
 
Yes,

You took where I left off and completely factored out the problem. I knew I hadn't gone far enough I just didn't know how to get there.

Thanks,

Nik
 
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