1. **State the problem:** Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from the polynomial $12g^5 - 12g^4$. 2. **Identify the GCF:** - The coefficients are 12 and 12, so the GCF of the coefficients is 12. - The variable parts are $g^5$ and $g^4$. The GCF of the variables is the lowest power, which is $g^4$. 3. **Write the GCF:** $$\text{GCF} = 12g^4$$ 4. **Factor out the GCF:** $$12g^5 - 12g^4 = 12g^4(\cancel{g^5} / g^4 - \cancel{g^4} / g^4) = 12g^4(g^{5-4} - g^{4-4}) = 12g^4(g^1 - g^0)$$ 5. **Simplify exponents:** $$12g^4(g - 1)$$ 6. **Final factored form:** $$\boxed{12g^4(g - 1)}$$