Write down the equation; for example, 4x + 8y = 20.
Set the value of the equation to 0 by adding (-20) to both sides: (4x + 8y - 20) = (20 - 20). Resulting in: 4x + 8y - 20 = 0.
Find the greatest common element in each term of the equation: (4)x + (4)2y - (4)5 = 0
Separate the common element and write the factored equation: (4(x + 2y - 5) = 0)