Final answer:
The correct method for factoring 4 terms without grouping is factoring by grouping. This involves finding common factors among pairs of terms and factoring them out.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is C. Factoring by grouping.
When factoring four terms without grouping, we look for common factors among pairs of terms. We then factor out these common factors to simplify the expression.
Here's an example:
Suppose we need to factor the expression 2x + 4y + 6x + 12y.
- First, group the terms with common factors: (2x + 6x) + (4y + 12y).
- Next, factor out the common factor from each group: 2x(1 + 3) + 4y(1 + 3).
- Finally, combine like terms to simplify the expression: 2x(4) + 4y(4) = 8x + 16y.
Therefore, the correct method for factoring 4 terms without grouping is C. Factoring by grouping.