Factor expressions

Target: Factor out the greatest common factor of two terms.

Language target: Say the factor that divides both terms.

Likely miss: Students factor only the variable term.

Ask: If you distribute your answer, do you get the original?

If you see it: Ask which number divides every term, then write it once outside the parentheses.

Evidence to listen for: The expanded form multiplies back to the original.

Next: If the constant is left behind, check by distributing.

Observable student moves: names both quantities, uses the represented relationship, and revises after feedback. This companion is not a score.