1. Factoring Checklist Works every time!

2. 1. Check to see if there is a GCF. If so, factor it out. 3xy² + 12xy

3. 2. Are there 4 or more terms? If so, use grouping. 4y² + 2y + 12xy + 6x

4. 3. Is the polynomial a Difference of Squares? If so, use the formula. a² - b² → (a + b)(a – b) 9x² - 64y²

5. 4. Is it a trinomial of the form x² + bx + c? If so, rewrite in factored form (x )(x ) and factor the last term to find the match. x² + 7x – 18

6. 5. Is it a trinomial of the form ax² + bx + c? If so, multiply the first and last coefficients and find the match for the middle term, then rewrite using the match, then group. 4y² + 12y + 9