12xy -6x -2y

[mgodwin16]

To simplify the above formula, can we factor out a "2" or is there nothing left to be done?

Would this be right? 6xy - 3x - y

[tim]

there are other things that can be done, but none that the GMAT would want you to do. please understand that your final expression is not a "simplification" of the original; it is NOT THE SAME THING! you cannot factor out the 2 and then just leave it out of the final expression..