1. 5.1: An Introduction to factoring
February 12, 2009

2. Objectives
Factor out the greatest common factor
Factor by grouping

3. What is the great common factor (GCF)?
The GCF of a polynomial is the factor (usually a monomial) with the highest degree and largest numerical coefficient that is a factor of each term of the polynomial.
For example, the GCF of 2x2+4x is 2x.

4. Find the GCF
10x2+15x x3+18x2+30x

6. Factoring by grouping
Situation one: items are factored 2(x-2)+x(x-2)

7. Factoring by grouping
Situation two: items are not already factored 2x2+4x+6x+12