2.3 Factor and Solve Polynomial Expressions Pg. 76

Factoring: When Factoring expressions, there is an order to follow when solving: –GCF Greatest Common Factor This is for any polynomial –Difference of Perfect Squares Each term must be a perfect square Coefficients must be perfect squares and even exponents on the variables This is for only BINOMIALS –Reverse Foil Finding the factors of the “C” term that when added together make the “B” term with the correct sign Remember to Completely Factor

GCF (Greatest Common Factor)

Difference of Perfect Squares Must be a Binomial Must have subtraction between the terms

Reverse Foil Factoring x 2 + bx + c

Example:

Factor by Grouping Used when there is four terms in the polynomial to factor The object is to see if there is a common GCF between the two groups Be careful when grouping monomials with a subtraction

Factoring Perfect-Square Trinomials If the first term and the last term of a trinomial are perfect squares but there is a center term It can not be the difference of perfect squares but it may be a perfect square trinomial a 2 + 2ab + b 2 a 2 – 2ab + b 2

Example: x 4 – 16 4x 2 – 24x x 2 – 49 3x 2 + 6x + 3

Sum and Difference of Cubes Just like with the Difference of Perfect Squares…….this must be a binomial. But now the 1 st and 2 nd terms are perfect cubes These are formulas, answer is completely factored

Homework Homework Pg – 26 all