Question

factor out the coefficient of the variable term.
the expression \\(\frac{1}{3}b - \frac{1}{3}\\) factored is \\(\square\\).

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the coefficient to factor out

The variable term is $\frac{1}{3}b$, so its coefficient is $\frac{1}{3}$. We factor out $\frac{1}{3}$ from both terms in the expression $\frac{1}{3}b - \frac{1}{3}$.

Step2: Apply the distributive property in reverse

Using the distributive property $ac - bc = c(a - b)$, where $c = \frac{1}{3}$, $a = b$, and $b = 1$ (since $\frac{1}{3}=\frac{1}{3}\times1$), we get:
$\frac{1}{3}(b - 1)$

Answer:

$\frac{1}{3}(b - 1)$