Lesson
Factor out the GCF. Use the distributive property to write an equivalent
expression for .

To factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) of the expression , we first identify the GCF of the coefficients 45 and 25, which is 5. Now, we can rewrite the original expression using the distributive property:

This shows that the equivalent expression is .

Want to know a fun fact? The distributive property connects multiplication and addition, making it a fundamental concept in algebra. It allows us to simplify expressions efficiently, helping in everything from solving equations to polynomial operations!

When tackling problems like this, a common mistake is forgetting to factor out the largest common factor. Always double-check for any common factors, even in more complex expressions. Practice makes perfect, and soon factoring will be second nature!