Factoring Trinomials Using FOIL Reversed...also called guess and check

FACTORING POLYNOMIALS GCF is first! Are there any squared terms left over? 2 Terms It is possibly the difference of two squares (DOTS) 3 Terms If a = 1, do guess and check. If a is a number other than 1, do guess/check or factor by grouping (product/sum). 4 Terms Factor by grouping. We’ll look into this one today.

FACTOR: FACTORING is like playing JEOPARDY. You have the answer and must get the question.

FACTOR:

( )( ) (y )(y )

FACTOR: (y )(y ) (y 5)(y 3)

Wait until later to decide what signs go there.

(y 5)(y 3) 15 could be 5 times 3 Or -5 times -3

Try:

and don’t make –8y.

PLUS HAS TO ADD UP TO THE MIDDLE TERM.

Try:

There is a lot more to factoring. It takes lots of practice.

THE END