1. Checklist: Factoring Portfolio Page -- Algebra 2
GCF
(Always check first)
Two Terms:
-Difference of Squares
Three Terms:
-Perfect Square Trinomial
-Factor Trinomial
Four Terms:
Grouping
Checklist:
Factoring GCF / Factoring ax2 + bx + c when a = 1 or is a prime number
Factor ax2 + bx + c when a ≠ 1 or a is NOT prime
Examples:
1) 6x2 + 13x – ) 8x2 – 2x - 3
Factoring –-rewriting an expression as the product of its factors
Greatest Common Factor --the common factor with the greatest coefficient and the greatest exponent
Examples:
1) 15w5 – 35w ) x2 – 7x ) 5x2 – 8x + 3

2. Examples: Factoring Perfect Square Trinomials & Difference of Squares
Factoring Forms:
a2 + 2ab + b2 = (a + b)2
a2 - 2ab + b2 = (a – b)2
 ***Always foil back to check—sometimes doesn’t work!!!!!
 Examples:
1) 4x2 - 20x ) 16x2 – 225
Factoring by Grouping
Grouping:
1) group first two terms together, factor out GCF
2) group second two terms together, factor out GCF
3) factor out GCF from those remaining terms
Examples:
1) y3 + 3y2 + 4y ) 6x3 + 8x2 – 15x - 20
Factoring Combined Types
*Follow checklist for factoring – ALWAYS GCF FIRST!
1) 12x3 – 12x2 – 9x ) 2x2 – 12x ) 8x ) ab2 + cb2 – 4a – 4c
Difference of Squares
Factoring Form:
a2 - b2 = (a + b)(a – b)