The problem
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why is 5xy the gcf and not -5xyz?
Answer provided by our tutors
"5xy" is a factor, not a GCF; the expression is being factored out and if "-5xy" is factored out, then two negative terms and one positive term are left within the parentheses...
GCF should be solved by entering specific terms, perhaps an entry such as "5x^3y^2", "10x^2y^2" and "-5xyz" (since 'z' is not a common factor, the GCF would not include a 'z'):
