Which expression is equivalent to 15n−24?

Hi!

To solve this, find the GCM (greatest common multiple) of 15 and 24.

We can do this by finding the prime factorization.

15/3 = 5

3·5

24/2 = 12

12/2 = 6

6/2 = 3

2·2·2·3 Both prime factorizations have the number 3 in common. So the GCM is 3.

Divide both numbers by 3.

15n/3 = 5n

-24/3 = -8

Since the GCM is 3, 3 goes outside the parentheses.

The numbers that go inside the parentheses are 5n-8

The answer is 3(5n-8)

You can check your answer by using the distribution property.

3·5n = 15n

3·(-8) = -24

15n-24

Hope this helps!

Step-by-step explanation: