The problem asks to factor the linear expression $3x + 12$. First, we need to find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the coefficients 3 and 12. Then, we divide each term of the expression by the GCF to obtain the factored form.

1. Problem Description

The problem asks to factor the linear expression $3x + 12$. First, we need to find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the coefficients 3 and

1

2. Then, we divide each term of the expression by the GCF to obtain the factored form.

2. Solution Steps

Step 1: Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of 3 and

1

2. The factors of 3 are 1 and

3. The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and

1

2. The greatest common factor of 3 and 12 is

3. So, GCF =

3.

Step 2: Divide the GCF out of each term.

$3x \div 3 = x$

$12 \div 3 = 4$

Thus, $3x + 12 = 3(x + 4)$.

3. Final Answer

GCF = 3

The expression in the parenthesis is (x + 4), thus the number to put in front of it is

3. Final Answer: 3