Factor using the GCF 12a - 30

To factor using the greatest common factor (GCF) of 12a - 30, we need to determine the largest number or variable that can be divided evenly into both terms.

First, let's find the GCF of the coefficients 12 and 30. The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. The factors of 30 are 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, and 30. The largest number that appears in both lists is 6.

Next, let's look at the variable "a." Since "a" is present in both terms, it can also be factored out.

So, the GCF of 12a - 30 is 6a. We can write the expression as:

6a * (2 - 5)

The factored form of 12a - 30 using the GCF is 6a(2 - 5) or 6a(-3).