Final answer:
The GCF of the expression 1/3x^2 + 1/3x - 4 is 1/3. The factored form is (x - 3)(x + 4).
Step-by-step explanation:
The GCF (Greatest Common Factor) of the expression 1/3x^2 + 1/3x - 4 can be found by factoring the expression completely. First, factor out the common factor 1/3 from each term:
1/3(x^2 + x - 12)
Next, factor the quadratic expression inside the parentheses by finding two numbers that multiply to -12 and add up to 1. In this case, the numbers are 4 and -3:
1/3(x - 3)(x + 4)
Therefore, the GCF is 1/3 and the factored form of the expression is (x - 3)(x + 4).