To factor out the coefficient of a variable with fractions, you first need to identify the coefficient itself in the equation or expression. A coefficient is a number that is multiplied by a variable. For example, in the expression 3/4x, 3/4 is the coefficient of x.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to factoring it out:
- Identify the terms: Look for the variable and its coefficient within the expression.
- Find the greatest common factor: If there are multiple terms, determine the greatest common factor (GCF) that can be factored out. This could be a fraction as well.
- Rewrite the expression: Once you’ve identified the coefficient, you can rewrite the expression by dividing each term by the coefficient and then factoring it out in front of the parentheses. For example, from 3/4x + 3/4y, you can factor out 3/4 to rewrite it as 3/4(x + y).
In summary, factoring out coefficients that are fractions involves recognizing the coefficients, identifying the GCF, and rewriting the expression to express it in a factored form. This method helps simplify the expression and makes it easier to work with in further calculations.