Scribd
Upload
69 views3 pages

Polynomial Factoring Guide

The document summarizes steps for factoring polynomials. It discusses factoring out common factors, factoring binomials as differences or sums of squares or cubes, factoring trinomials as perfect square trinomials or using trial and error. Examples are provided for factoring the difference and sum of two squares and cubes. Formulas are given for perfect square trinomials. The AC Method and factoring by grouping are also explained with examples. Practice problems with answers are included at the end.

Uploaded by

lml
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
69 views3 pages

Polynomial Factoring Guide

The document summarizes steps for factoring polynomials. It discusses factoring out common factors, factoring binomials as differences or sums of squares or cubes, factoring trinomials as perfect square trinomials or using trial and error. Examples are provided for factoring the difference and sum of two squares and cubes. Formulas are given for perfect square trinomials. The AC Method and factoring by grouping are also explained with examples. Practice problems with answers are included at the end.

Uploaded by

lml
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

FACTORING

Summary of steps for factoring a polynomial:


1. Factor out any common factors.
2. If the polynomial is a binomial, check whether it can be rewritten as the difference of two squares, the
difference of two cubes, or the sum of two cubes.
3. If the polynomial is a trinomial, check whether it is a perfect square trinomial. If not, factor by trial and error
(guessing), or apply the AC Method.
4. If the polynomial has more than three terms, try factoring by grouping.

Factoring Out a Common Factor:


Example 1:
Example 2:

The Difference of Two Squares:


Factoring formula:
Note: The sum of two squares

is NOT factorable.

Example 1:

break down in to squares


factor using formula

Example 2:

break down in to squares


factor using formula

Example 3:

break down in to squares


factor using formula
factor using formula
simplify

The Difference and Sum of Two Cubes:


Factoring formulas:

Example 1:

break down in to cubes


factor using formula
simplify

Example 2:

break down in to cubes


factor using formula
simplify

Example 3:

Example 4:

Example 5:

Example 6:
(

Example 7:

Example 8:

Perfect Square Trinomial:


Factoring formulas:

Example 1:

Example 2:

AC Method: For an in-depth description of this procedure see SLAC handout: AC Method.
Example 1:

factor out any common factors


apply factor by grouping

Example 2:

factor out any common factors


apply factor by grouping

Grouping:
Example 1:

Example 2:
(

Practice Problems: Factor the following polynomials.


1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.

Answers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Revised: Spring 2014 by Dr. Westbrook


STUDENT LEARNING ASSISTANCE CENTER (SLAC)
Texas State University-San Marcos

You might also like