Final answer:
The expression 72 - 39 can be factored by taking out the GCF, which is 3. The factored expression is 3(24 - 13). Factoring simplifies expressions and makes solving equations easier.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expression given is 72 - 39. To factor this expression using the Greatest Common Factor (GCF), we need to find the largest number that divides both 72 and 39 without leaving a remainder. The GCF of 72 and 39 is 3. So we can factor out 3 from the expression:
3(24 - 13).
The numbers 24 and 13 are what remain after we have factored out the GCF of 3 from each term of the original expression. Factoring is a critical skill in algebra, as it simplifies expressions and solves equations more easily. Remember, when you're finding factors or simplifying expressions, the distributive property is often your best tool.