In Exercises 23–34, factor out the negative of the greatest common factor.−8x − 48

The Greatest Common Factor is the largest integer that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder. To find the GCF, one can list the factors of each number and identify the highest one. In the expression −8x − 48, the GCF is 8, as both terms can be divided by 8.

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together yield the original expression. In this case, factoring out the GCF involves rewriting the expression in a way that highlights the common factor, making it easier to simplify or solve.

Factoring out a negative involves taking the negative of the GCF and using it to rewrite the expression. This is important for maintaining the sign of the original expression. In the given problem, factoring out -8 from −8x − 48 results in -8(x + 6), which simplifies the expression while keeping its value intact.