1. 2.2 – Factoring Polynomials Common Factoring

2. Whenever we are asked to factor the first thing that we should do is look for common factors. The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) is The largest number that you can divide every term by with no remainder. The smallest exponent of any variables common to all terms.

3. Example #1: Factor each expression. a) b) c) The GCF is 9x The GCF is 6 The GCF is 5xy 2

4. Sometimes the ones that look tricky are the easiest! Example #2: Factor:

5. Example #3: The area of a rectangular pool is represented by the expression. IF the length is 6x, find an expression for the width of the pool. Area = length x width = = ( ) The length of the pool is x+3.

7. Homework: P AGE 96 #2, 3, 6 – 9, 11 – 15