Question

Isaiah claims that \(5a^2\) is the GCF of the polynomial \(a^3 - 25a^2b^5 - 35b^4\). However, he is incorrect because the constant '5' does not apply to the first factor of the equation, which is 'a^3'. Do you agree with this assessment?

a) Yes, Isaiah is correct.

b) No, Isaiah is incorrect because the constant '5' doesn't apply to \(a^3\).

c) Maybe, I need more information.

d) None of the above.

Answer 1

No, Isaiah is incorrect because the constant '5' doesn't apply to a³.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, Isaiah is incorrect because the constant '5' doesn't apply to a³. The greatest common factor (GCF) is a factor that divides into all terms of the polynomial. To find the GCF, we look for the highest power of each variable that appears in every term. In this case, the GCF is a² because it is the highest power of a that appears in every term. The constant '5' does not apply to the first factor of the equation, which is a³.