To simplify the expression $16a^2 + 12a$, we can factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from each term.

1. Identify the GCF of the coefficients:

   • The GCF of 16 and 12 is 4.

2. Identify the common variable factor:

   • Each term contains at least one $a$.

3. Factor out the GCF from each term: $16a^2 + 12a = 4a(4a + 3)$

Therefore, the simplified form of the expression is $4a(4a + 3)$.

Would you like any details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to further your understanding:

1. How do you identify the greatest common factor (GCF) in a polynomial?
2. What are the steps to factor out the GCF from a polynomial?
3. Can you give an example of factoring out the GCF from a polynomial with more terms?
4. How do you handle polynomials with different variable exponents when factoring?
5. What is the importance of factoring polynomials in algebra?
6. How do you verify that a polynomial is factored correctly?
7. What should you do if the polynomial has no common factors?
8. How can factoring help in solving polynomial equations?

Tip: After factoring out the GCF, always double-check by multiplying the factors to ensure you get the original polynomial back.