Simplify the Expression: 6mn + 3n/m + 9n²

Algebraic Factoring with Mixed Terms

Which of the expressions is equivalent to the expression?

6mn+3nm+9n2 6mn+\frac{3n}{m}+9n^2

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find the common factor
00:07 Factor 6 into factors 2 and 3
00:15 Factor 9 into factors 3 and 3
00:22 Break down the square into products
00:31 Mark the common factors
00:51 Take out the common factors from the parentheses
01:05 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Which of the expressions is equivalent to the expression?

6mn+3nm+9n2 6mn+\frac{3n}{m}+9n^2

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the common factor in the expression 6mn+3nm+9n2 6mn+\frac{3n}{m}+9n^2 .
  • Step 2: Factor this common factor out from the expression.
  • Step 3: Compare the factored expression to the given choices.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: Identify the Common Factor

Looking at the terms 6mn 6mn , 3nm\frac{3n}{m}, and 9n2 9n^2 , the common factor among them is clearly 3n 3n since:

  • 6mn 6mn can be divided by 3n 3n , giving 2m 2m .
  • 3nm \frac{3n}{m} can be divided by 3n 3n , giving 1m\frac{1}{m}.
  • 9n2 9n^2 can be divided by 3n 3n , giving 3n 3n .

Step 2: Factor Out the Common Factor

Factoring 3n 3n out of each term, we rewrite the expression:

6mn+3nm+9n2=3n(2m)+3n(1m)+3n(3n) 6mn + \frac{3n}{m} + 9n^2 = 3n(2m) + 3n\left(\frac{1}{m}\right) + 3n(3n) .

This simplifies to:

3n(2m+1m+3n) 3n(2m + \frac{1}{m} + 3n) .

Step 3: Compare with Choices

We compare our factored expression, 3n(2m+1m+3n) 3n(2m + \frac{1}{m} + 3n) , to the given choices. We find that Choice 1 matches our factored form.

Therefore, the expression 6mn+3nm+9n2 6mn+\frac{3n}{m}+9n^2 is equivalent to 3n(2m+1m+3n) 3n(2m+\frac{1}{m}+3n) .

3

Final Answer

3n(2m+1m+3n) 3n(2m+\frac{1}{m}+3n)

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Common Factor: Identify the greatest common factor shared by all terms
  • Factor Out: Extract 3n from 6mn + 3n/m + 9n² = 3n(2m + 1/m + 3n)
  • Verification: Expand factored form to confirm it equals original expression ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Trying to factor terms with different variables separately
    Don't factor 6mn and 9n² first, ignoring 3n/m = wrong grouping! This misses the true common factor across all terms. Always look for the greatest common factor that appears in every single term before attempting any grouping.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Break down the expression into basic terms:

\( 2x^2 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the common factor when there's a fraction involved?

+

Look at the numerators of all terms! In 6mn+3nm+9n2 6mn + \frac{3n}{m} + 9n^2 , each term has a factor of 3n: 6mn = 3n(2m), 3n/m = 3n(1/m), and 9n² = 3n(3n).

Why can't I factor out 3 from all terms?

+

You could factor out 3, but 3n is the greatest common factor. Factoring out the largest possible common factor makes the expression as simple as possible!

How do I handle the fraction 3n/m when factoring?

+

Think of 3nm \frac{3n}{m} as 3n×1m 3n \times \frac{1}{m} . So when you factor out 3n, you're left with 1m \frac{1}{m} inside the parentheses.

How can I check if my factoring is correct?

+

Distribute the factored form back out! If 3n(2m + 1/m + 3n) expands to give you the original expression 6mn + 3n/m + 9n², then your factoring is correct.

What if the answer choices look completely different?

+

Don't panic! Expand each answer choice by distributing to see which one gives you the original expression. Sometimes the same expression can look very different when written in various forms.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Algebraic Technique questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations