Write an equivalent expression in factored form. \( 24 a-18 \)

To express \( 24a - 18 \) in factored form, we first identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms. The GCF of 24 and 18 is 6. Now, we factor out 6: \[ 24a - 18 = 6(4a - 3) \] So, the factored form is \( 6(4a - 3) \). Now, let’s take a fun journey through the world of factoring! Factoring is like solving a puzzle; you're attempting to break down a complex expression into simpler components that can be easily managed. Each time you factor, you are essentially reverse-engineering the original problem, making it easier to work with or to solve in equations. And speaking of equations, using factors can simplify your calculations significantly! For instance, if you substitute values into \( 6(4a - 3) \) compared to \( 24a - 18 \), you can often see the benefits more clearly. If you plug in \( a = 2 \), it helps to quickly assess \( 6(4(2) - 3) \) as opposed to calculating \( 24(2) - 18 \). Just remember, keeping your computations clear often leads to fewer slips!