1. Let's clarify the factoring process where the $\frac{1}{3}$ was factored out in the second step. 2. Suppose the original expression was something like $\frac{1}{3}x + \frac{2}{3}y$. 3. Factoring out $\frac{1}{3}$ means rewriting the expression as: $$\frac{1}{3}(x + 2y)$$ 4. In the 5th step, when simplifying or substituting back, the $\frac{1}{3}$ is included by multiplying the entire parenthesis: $$\frac{1}{3}(x + 2y)$$ 5. This ensures the factor $\frac{1}{3}$ is consistently applied to all terms inside the parentheses. 6. If you see the expression expanded again, it should be: $$\frac{1}{3}x + \frac{2}{3}y$$ 7. So, the $\frac{1}{3}$ factored out in step 2 is always present in step 5 as part of the multiplied term. If you provide the exact expression or steps, I can show precisely where and how the $\frac{1}{3}$ appears.