1. **State the problem:** Factor each algebraic expression. 2. **Problem a:** Factor $36x - 9$. 3. **Step:** Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of $36x$ and $9$. 4. The GCF of $36$ and $9$ is $9$. 5. Factor out $9$: $$36x - 9 = 9(4x - 1)$$ 6. **Problem b:** Factor $24h + 12 - 18h$. 7. **Step:** Combine like terms first: $$24h - 18h + 12 = (24 - 18)h + 12 = 6h + 12$$ 8. Find the GCF of $6h$ and $12$, which is $6$. 9. Factor out $6$: $$6h + 12 = 6(h + 2)$$ 10. **Final answers:** - a. $9(4x - 1)$ - b. $6(h + 2)$