Factor 40q–72r.

Question

Write your answer as a product with a whole number greater than 1.

Answer 1

To factor the expression \( 40q - 72r \), we first need to find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the coefficients 40 and 72.

1. Find the GCF:

   • The prime factorization of 40 is \( 2^3 \times 5 \).
   • The prime factorization of 72 is \( 2^3 \times 3^2 \).
   • The GCF is \( 2^3 = 8 \).

2. Factor out the GCF from the expression: \[ 40q - 72r = 8(5q - 9r) \]

Thus, the factored form is:

\[ \boxed{8(5q - 9r)} \]