Question

factor the following polynomial completely using the greatest common factor. if the expression cannot be factored, enter the expression as is.
56s^7 + 8s^4

Explanation:

Step1: Find GCF of coefficients

Find GCF of 56 and 8. Since $56 = 8\times7$ and $8=8\times1$, GCF of 56 and 8 is 8.

Step2: Find GCF of variable parts

For $s^{7}$ and $s^{4}$, using the rule $a^{m}\div a^{n}=a^{m - n}$, the GCF is $s^{4}$ as $s^{7}=s^{4}\times s^{3}$ and $s^{4}=s^{4}\times1$.

Step3: Factor out GCF

Factor out $8s^{4}$ from $56s^{7}+8s^{4}$. We get $8s^{4}(7s^{3} + 1)$.

Answer:

$8s^{4}(7s^{3}+1)$