1. Use the distributive property to factor the expression. 15x + 5

5(3x + 1)

Step-by-step explanation:

Find common factors both number terms

Factors of:

15: 1 , 3 , 5 , 15

5: 1 , 5

The greatest common factor is 5. Divide 5 from both terms:

(15x + 5)/5 = (15x)/5 + (5)/5 = 3x + 1

Remember to move the 5 to the outside of the parenthesis:

5(3x + 1) is your answer.

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example 2 – simplify: step 1: completely factor both the numerators and denominators of all fractions. step 2: change the division sign to a multiplication sign and flip (or reciprocate) the fraction after the division sign; essential you need to multiply by the reciprocal. step 3 : cancel or reduce the fractions.