A linear expression can only have a numeric factor that can be "taken out".
The expression will be of the form ax + b where a and b are numbers that have k as their highest common factor (HCF).
That is, a = k*c
and b = k*d
Than being the case, ax + b = kcx + kd = k*(cx + d)
4
a²-a = a(a-1)
If you know one linear factor, then divide the polynomial by that factor. The quotient will then be a polynomial whose order (or degree) is one fewer than that of the one that you stared with. The smaller order may make it easier to factorise.
To factorise is to find the numbers that divide into the original number by only using prime numbers. For example factorise 20 = 2 times 2 times 5
you do (245x)
to put into brackets
The answer will depend on where the brackets are. In general the solution would be to expand all the brackets, combine like terms and then factorise.
-180
6(t2s)
It is the opposite of Expanding The Brackets
-5
m(g-a)