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Given a polynomial, it is frequently important to isolate the greatest common factor from each term of the polynomial. For example, in the expression 9x3 + 18x2, the number 9 is a factor of both terms, as is x2. After factoring, 9x2(x + 2) is obtained, and 9x2 is the greatest common factor for all terms of the original polynomial (in this case a binomial). Similarly, for the trinomial 6a2x3 + 9abx + 15cx2, the number 3 is the largest numerical factor common to 6, 9, and 15, and x is the largest variable factor common to all three terms. Thus, the greatest common factor of the trinomial is 3x. |