Question

How do you factor completely `5a-15a^2`?

Answer 1

5a(1-3a)

Explanation:

There is a common factor of 5a in both terms which can be 'taken out'.

`rArr5a-15a^2=5a(1-3a)`

This may be checked by distributing the bracket.

`5a(1-3a)=(5axx1)-(5axx3a)=5a-15a^2`