Factoring Polynomials
Factoring means to express it as a product
Example: 12a2b – 8ab2 Step 2 – Divide EACH term by the GCF Step 1 -What is the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) ? GCF = 4 a b Step 2 – Divide EACH term by the GCF 1st factor (12a2b – 8ab2)÷ 4 a b ( 3a -2b) 2nd factor Step 3 – Check your answer by multiplying the 2 factors does (3a – 2b)(4ab) = 12a2b - 8ab2 Step 4 – Write your answer using the 2 factors. The factors of 12a2b-8ab2 are (3a – 2b) and (4ab)
Factor (5x2y2+15x3y2-10x4y) Example #2 ( y + 3xy – 2x2) Step 1 -What is the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) ? GCF = 5x2y Step 2 – Divide EACH term by the GCF (5x2y2+15x3y2-10x4y) ÷ 5x2y 1st factor ( y + 3xy – 2x2) 2nd factor Step 3 – Check your answer by multiplying the 2 factors does (5x2y) (y + 3xy – 2x2 ) = 5x2y2+15x3y2-10x4y Step 4 – Write your answer using the 2 factors. The factors of (5x2y2 +15x3y2-10x4y) are (5x2y) (y + 3xy – 2x2 )
Practice Workbook Textbook 1