Factor this expression completely. - 3x - 12 A) 3 (x + 4) B) 3 (x - 4) C) - 3 (x + 4) D) - 3 (x - 4)

C

Step-by-step explanation:

Look at the coefficients in the expression: - 3 and 12. The largest number that divides them both is 3. That means you can factor out either a 3 or a negative 3. Try 3.

3 (-x - 4) is not on the list of answers. Also, it's unusual to factor out a value that leaves a negative coefficient on x.

Try factoring out - 3.

-3 (x + 4) is answer choice C.

Bonus

Because this is a multiple-choice question without a "non of these" option, you can solve the problem by expanding--multiplying out--the answers!

A. 3 (x + 4) = 3x + 12 ... nope, not it

B. 3 (x - 4) = 3x - 12 ... nope, not it

C. - 3 (x + 4) = - 3x - 12 ... bingo!