Say we have the quadratic equation 4x^2+12x+32
before even touching the equation, you can see if you can simplify, or reduce it, by finding a gcf. (Greatest Common Factor)
Sometimes they can be difficult to find and sometimes there are none at all!
What do you notice about 4x^2+12x+32? All the numbers are divisible by 4!
Is there a number above 4 that they are all divisible by? It is always good to check, but in this case the GCF is 4
But how do we factor it out?? o.O
IT'S VERY SIMPLE :D
you literally just divide the whole equation by 4.
Now you have 4(x^2+3x+8)
You always include the GCF before the equation