1. Sometimes it is necessary to change the form of a factor to create an easier common factor. One of the tools used in this way is to factor out a negative one. Consider the following binomial. Factor out a negative. Factoring Out (-1)

2. Notice the pattern from to the equivalent form Think of the process in the following steps for factoring a binomial that is a difference (not a sum). 1.Write a negative sign in front of the parenthesis. 2.Switch the two terms inside the parentheses, keeping the minus sign in the middle.

3. Example 3: Factor a negative out of the binomial.

4. Example 4: Factor a negative out of the binomial in the second term. This negative will be multiplied by the - 5 resulting in + 5.

5. Factor out the common binomial factor.