To factor polynomials, you have to find the greatest common factor.
For example:
4x2 + 12x
(4 x squared + 12x)
We know that 2 goes into 4 and 12, but there is a higher common factor of 4 that goes into both. You want to choose the highest/greatest common factor.
To factor out 4, you are also factoring out an x because there is an x in each too.
=4x(x + 3)
Another example:
= 5x3 + 10x2 + 15x
(5 x cubed + 10 x squared + 15)
= 5x(x2 + 2x + 3)
I hope this makes sense!
