Question

factor $12a^2 + 20a^3$.

Explanation:

Step1: Find GCF of coefficients

Find GCF of 12 and 20. Factors of 12: 1,2,3,4,6,12; Factors of 20:1,2,4,5,10,20. GCF is 4.

Step2: Find GCF of variables

For \(a^2\) and \(a^3\), GCF is \(a^2\) (lowest exponent).

Step3: Factor out GCF

Factor out \(4a^2\) from \(12a^2 + 20a^3\):
\(12a^2 + 20a^3 = 4a^2(3 + 5a)\)

Answer:

\(4a^2(3 + 5a)\)