2. Factor the expression with a Negative GFC: \( -6 a-3 \)

To factor the expression \( -6a - 3 \), first, identify the greatest common factor (GCF). Here, the GCF is -3. Factoring it out results in \( -3(2a + 1) \). Remember, factoring out a negative GCF is crucial as it helps rearrange the terms neatly while keeping the signs consistent. When working with expressions and factoring, many people overlook the negative signs. A common mistake is to factor out the positive GCF instead, which can lead to incorrect expressions. Always double-check whether a negative GCF is involved, especially in expressions that start with a negative coefficient!