1. Stating the problem: Simplify the expression $4m^2 - 20am$. 2. Identify common factors: Both terms have a factor of $4m$. 3. Factor out the common factor: $$4m^2 - 20am = 4m(m) - 4m(5a)$$ 4. Write the factored form: $$4m(m - 5a)$$ 5. Explanation: Factoring helps simplify expressions by extracting common factors, making it easier to work with or solve equations involving the expression. Final answer: $$4m(m - 5a)$$