Group in pairs (associative property) Factoring by “GROUPING” One-step check list: a Four terms (standard form) If no, this is the wrong method. If yes, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. Change center subtraction into addition (HINT! Add the opposite / two strokes) Group in pairs (associative property) Factor common monomials from each group If center subtraction was changed, factor out a negative sign (CHANGE ALL SIGNS) Factor out common binomials
*FACTOR OUT A NEGATIVE!!! “IF ONLY” trick: 3. 4. “IF ONLY” trick: 5. 6. If only I could switch around subtraction . . . *FACTOR OUT A NEGATIVE!!!