5. How can you use the Distributive Property to factor the expression \( 6 x+15 \) ?

To factor the expression \( 6x + 15 \) using the Distributive Property, first identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms. In this case, the GCF is 3. You can then factor it out: \( 6x + 15 = 3(2x + 5) \). This means that both terms share the factor of 3, and what’s inside the parentheses, \( 2x + 5 \), represents what's left after factoring. This method is not only useful for algebraic expressions but also appears in everyday scenarios. For instance, when doubling a recipe, you can factor out the ingredient amounts, making it easier to see how much of each ingredient you'll need. For example, if you have \( 2 cups + 6 cups \) of flour, factoring out 2 gives you \( 2(1 + 3) \), simplifying your calculations!