Introduction to Factoring Polynomials: example 10.92

Factor: $−9 y - 27 .$

Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.

Your turn

The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.

Factor: $−5 y - 35 .$

How did it go?

When the leading coefficient is negative, the GCF will be negative. Ignoring the signs of the terms, we first find the GCF of 9y and 27 is 9.
Since the expression −9y−27 has a negative leading coefficient, we use −9 as the GCF.
	$- 9 y - 27$
Rewrite each term using the GCF.
Factor the GCF.	$- 9 (y + 3)$

When the leading coefficient is negative, the GCF will be negative. Ignoring the signs of the terms, we first find the GCF of 9y and 27 is 9.
Since the expression −9y−27 has a negative leading coefficient, we use −9 as the GCF.
	$- 9 y - 27$
Rewrite each term using the GCF.
Factor the GCF.	$- 9 (y + 3)$