Final answer:
When factoring a term, you factor the coefficient into its prime numbers, break it down and then simplify further or work on factoring polynomials. Multiplication or division applies to each term when working on both sides of an equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When factoring a term, the coefficient needs to be factored into all prime numbers. To do this, you would break down the coefficient into its prime factors. This is often done as a step in simplifying algebraic expressions or when solving equations.
For example, if you have the term 8x, you would factor 8 into 2×2×2 and then use these prime factors to simplify further or to factor polynomials.
It is important to remember that when you multiply or divide by a number on both sides of an equation, it needs to apply to every term on either side of the equation.
If an equation side has more than one term, enclose that side in brackets before performing the operation, ensuring it applies to each term within the brackets.