6-7 Factoring: A General Strategy Warm-up Problems Factor
Chapter Factoring: A General Strategy
Factoring Polynomials 1.Always look for a common factor. 2.Then look at the number of terms. Two terms: Determine whether you have a difference of squares. Three terms: Determine whether you have a trinomial square of a binomial. If not, test the factors of the terms. Four terms: Try factoring by grouping. 3.Always factor completely.
Example 1 Factor 1.Look first for a common factor. 2.Factor a difference of two squares. 3. Have we factored completely?
Example 2 Factor 1.Look first for a common factor. 2.Factor a difference of two squares. 3. Have we factored completely?
Example 3 Factor 1.Look first for a common factor. 2.Factor by grouping. 3. Have we factored completely?
Example 4 Factor 1.Look first for a common factor. 2.Determine whether the trinomial is a square of a binomial. If not, test the factors of the terms. 3. Have we factored completely?
Try This Factor. a. b. c.
Try This Factor. d. e. f.