How to Use Area Models to Factor Variable Expressions?

1. Draw a rectangle with dimensions that match the coefficients and variables in the expression.
2. Identify two smaller rectangles within the larger rectangle that would have dimensions that match the factors you want to find.
3. Write the dimensions of the smaller rectangles as the factors of the original expression.
4. Simplify the expression by using the distributive property, and then simplify further if possible.

Using Area Models to Factor Variable Expressions – Example 1

Using Area Models to Factor Variable Expressions – Example 2

Use the area model for factoring variable expressions.
\(18j+12\)

Solution:
Step 1: Find the greatest common factor of 18j and 12. It is 6.
Step 2: Divide each term by the factor. \(18j÷6=3, 12÷6=2\).
Step 3: Write \(18j+12\) in factored form. The area model signifies it is equal to the product of 6 and \(3j+2\).

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