Chapter 1 - Introduction to Algebraic Expressions - 1.2 The Commutative, Associative, and Distributive Laws - 1.2 Exercise Set - Page 17: 59

$(a-b)$ and $(x-y)$

We know that a product is composed of more than one number and/or variable being multiplied together. The factors of a product are the parts being multiplied together. Therefore, the factors of $(a-b)(x-y)$, which is equal to $(a-b)\times(x-y)$, are $(a-b)$ and $(x-y)$.