Final answer:
After factoring out the greatest common factor of 16 from the expression 48x-16, the correct factored form is 16(3x - 1). The friend's factorization is correct if this result was obtained, demonstrating the universal application of mathematical rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
To evaluate if your friend factored the expression 48x-16 correctly, we look for the greatest common factor that both terms in the expression share. Both 48x and 16 are divisible by 16. Factoring out the greatest common factor of 16, we get:
16(3x - 1)
This is the factored form of the expression 48x-16, which shows that your friend is correct if they arrived at this result. This method is an application of the distributive property, which states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. In this case, we take out a '16' from both terms, which is the inverse process - factoring.
Moreover, the principles that apply to factoring expressions are the same regardless of location or time, demonstrating the universality of mathematical rules. Whether we are factoring polynomials or checking arithmetic, using the correct rule and applying it properly is essential.