In a technical analysis of a project's resource allocation, the efficiency rate is modeled by the expression $-4a^3 + 36a^2 - 8a$. To simplify this expression, a technician must first factor out the greatest common factor (GCF). Following the rules for expressions with a negative leading coefficient, what is the GCF for this expression?

Factoring an Energy Efficiency Model

A business analyst is simplifying a revenue model represented by the expression $-4a^3 + 36a^2 - 8a$. To ensure the report is accurate, the analyst must follow the standard procedure for extracting the greatest common factor (GCF). Arrange the following steps in the correct order according to the factoring process.

A manufacturing engineer is simplifying a cost-efficiency model represented by the expression ${}-4a^3 + 36a^2 - 8a$. After correctly identifying the greatest common factor as ${}-4a$, the engineer concludes that the final factored form of the expression is ${}-4a(a^2 + 9a - 2)$. True or False: This is the correct factored form.

A manufacturing technician is analyzing a material waste formula represented by the expression $-4a^3 + 36a^2 - 8a$. When extracting the greatest common factor (GCF) of $-4a$, the technician must remember that factoring out a negative value ____ the signs of all the terms remaining inside the parentheses.