2) \( 24 x^{3} y-36 x^{2} y^{2} \)

To factor the expression \( 24x^{3}y - 36x^{2}y^{2} \), you can first identify the greatest common factor (GCF). Here, the GCF is \( 12x^{2}y \). Pull this out to simplify: \( 12x^{2}y(2x - 3y) \). This not only makes the expression easier to work with, but allows you to see the underlying structure more clearly—almost like looking underneath the hood of a car! Once you have factored it, you can use it to solve equations more easily. For instance, if you're tasked with setting this equal to zero, you can see that either \( 12x^{2}y = 0 \) or \( 2x - 3y = 0 \). This means solving for \( x \) and \( y \) separately, leading to quick solutions!