1. Using the distributive property to factor polynomials having four or more terms is called factoring by grouping because pairs of terms are grouped together and factored. The distributive property is then applied a second time to factor a common binomial factor.
The problem.
Group terms with common factors.
Factor the GMF from each group.
Factor the common binomial factor.
Check – Multiply the factors together using FOIL.

2. Sometimes you can group terms in more than one way when factoring a polynomial. Here is an alternate way to group the previous problem.
The problem.
Group terms with common factors.
Factor the GMF from each group.
Factor the common binomial factor.
Notice that this result is as the previous grouping.

3. Factor the polynomial.
Example 8
Example 7
Example 9
Example 10
Check – Multiply the factors together using FOIL.

4. Check – Multiply the factors together using FOIL.
Factor the polynomial.
Example 8
Example 7
Undo double sign!
Check – Multiply the factors together using FOIL.

5. Factor the polynomial.
Example 9
Example 10
Check – Multiply the factors together using FOIL.