Sectieoverzicht

  • Factorisation reverses the process of multiplying and expanding brackets. 

    For example, if we expand \(3(a+2)\) we get \(3a+6\). When we factorise, we start with \(3a+6\) and end up with \(3(a+2)\). The two expressions are exactly the same in value no matter what values we substitute for \(a\). 

    Finding the Highest Common Factor (HCF) is just one of the ways that we factorise expressions. A common bracket can be taken out as an HCF if the bracket is identical in all terms, we call this factorising by taking out the highest common bracket or grouping.

    Factorising by taking out the highest common bracket is discussed in more detail in the following video. Make sure you try the activity that follows the video to test your knowledge of grouping.