Factoring Polynomials Factoring a polynomial means expressing it

Factoring Polynomials

Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of other polynomials.

GCF Method • Factoring polynomials with a common monomial factor (using GCF). **Always look for a GCF before using any other factoring method.

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Difference of Squares Method • A “Difference of Squares” is a binomial (*2 terms only*) and it factors like this: • USE YOUR PERFECT SQUARES!!! • REMEMBER TO CHECK FOR A GCF FIRST!!

Perfect Squares 1² = 1 2² = 4 3² = 9 4² = 16 5² = 25 6² = 36 7² = 49 8² = 64 9² = 81 10² = 100 11²= 121 12² = 144 13² = 169 14² = 196 15² = 225 16² = 256 17² = 289 18² = 324 19² = 361 20² = 400

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1. Write two sets of parenthesis, ( )( ). These will be the factors of the trinomial. 2. Think of factors of c that add up to b.

Trick for Remembering the Signs Sign of b Sign of c + + - Signs in Parentheses ( + )( - ) ( + )( - )

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