MPF - Factoring Polynomials Lesson

Factoring Polynomials

Quadratics Revisited - Factoring Polynomials

You have worked with some methods of factoring polynomials in a previous course. Here, we will review those methods and learn others, which will be used later in this module to solve equation. There are six ways to factor polynomials.

1. Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
2. Difference of Squares (Dif sq)
3. Trinomials (Tri)
4. Perfect Square Trinomials (PST)
5. Cubes (Cu)
6. Grouping (Gr)

First 3 Methods

The first 3 methods are the most common ones and they are ones you have seen before. Let's review them.

• Greatest common factor is always the first method to try. It can work on all types of polynomials.
• Difference of squares only works on binomials with subtract ("difference" means subtract).
• Trinomial factoring is used on any trinomials.

Last 3 Methods

• Perfect square trinomials are used in a process called "complete the square". They can be done like regular trinomials, but there is a short cut if you wish to learn it.
• Factoring by cubes works on binomials that have perfect cubes for terms (either add or subtract).
• Grouping is a variation of GCF for 4 term polynomials.

To help you remember these, let's summarize. These are rearranged to keep binomials and trinomials together.

Keep factoring until all the powers are gone or can't be factored further!

Now it is time for you to practice a little. Please complete the following Factoring Polynomials Self-Assessment.

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