1. Factoring
Polynomials

2. Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of other polynomials.

3. Factoring Method #1
Factoring polynomials with a common monomial factor (using GCF).
**Always look for a GCF before using any other factoring method.

4. Steps: 1. Find the greatest common factor (GCF).
2. Divide the polynomial by the GCF. The quotient is the other factor.
3. Express the polynomial as the product of the quotient and the GCF.

5. Step 1:
Step 2: Divide by GCF

6. The answer should look like this:

7. Factor these on your own looking for a GCF.

8. Factoring Method #2
Factoring a trinomial in the form:

9. Steps for factoring 1. Check for GCF 2. Multiply a and c
Always make sure polynomial is in descending order according to the exponents
ax2+bx+c=0
1. Check for GCF
2. Multiply a and c
3. Find factors of the new c that will add or subtract to give you b
4. Write the factors in factored form (x+_)(x+_)

10. Check your answer by using FOIL

11. Always check for GCF before you do anything else.
Lets do another example:
Don’t Forget Method #1.
Always check for GCF before you do anything else.
Find a GCF
Factor trinomial

12. Homework 1. x2-3x-28=0 2. x2=81 3. x2-4x=21 4. 4x2=-3x