Question

what is the greatest common factor of the terms in the polynomial $3x^3 - 3x^2 - 18x$?\
options: $3x^3$, $3$, $3x^2$, $3x$

Explanation:

Step1: Factor each polynomial term

$3x^3 = 3 \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x$
$3x^2 = 3 \cdot x \cdot x$
$18x = 3 \cdot 6 \cdot x$

Step2: Identify shared factors

Shared factors: $3$ and $x$

Step3: Multiply shared factors

$\text{GCF} = 3 \cdot x = 3x$

Answer:

$3x$