5.

6: Factoring A General Review

Objective:
Within the learning period, I will be able to Factor a variety of polynomials.

Prepared by Jowelyn Joy Domocmat for EIS Algebra 1 Classes AY 2013-14

Strategy for Factoring a Polynomial

Step 1: If the polynomial has a GCF other than 1, then factor out the GCF. Example: Problem Set 5.6

9.) 2a3b + 6a2b + 2ab = 2ab (a2 + 3a + 1)

Strategy for Factoring a Polynomial

Step 2: If the polynomial has 2 terms (binomial), then see if it is the difference of 2 squares (a2 b2) or the sum & difference of 2 cubes (a3 + b3) or (a3 b3) , & then factor accordingly. Remember, if it is the sum of 2 squares (a2 + b2), it will not factor. Example: Problem Set 5.6 39. ) x2 64 = (x + 8) (x 8) 25.) x3 27 = (x 3) (x2 + 3x + 9) 45.) 49x2 + 9y2 = cannot be factored

Strategy for Factoring a Polynomial

Step 3: If the polynomial has 3 terms (trinomial), then either it is a perfect square trinomial, which will factor into the square of a binomial, or it is not a perfect square trinomial, in which case you consider a*c and a + c = b, or trial and error. Example: Problem Set 5.6 63.) 12x4y2 + 36x3y3 + 27x2y4 = 3x2y2 (4x2 + 12xy + 9y2) = 3x2y2 (2x + 3y)2 35.) 2x2 + 15x 38 = (2x + 19) (x 2)

Strategy for Factoring a Polynomial

Step 4: If the polynomial has more than 3 terms, try to factor it by grouping.

Example: Problem Set 5.6

23.) xy + 3x + 4y + 12 = x (y + 3) + 4 (y + 3) = (x + 4) (y + 3)

Strategy for Factoring a Polynomial

Step 5: As a final check, see if any factors you have written can be factored further. If you have overlooked a common factor, you can catch it here. Example: Problem Set 5.3 23.) 6x2 51x + 63 = (6x 9) (x 7) = 3(2x 3) (x 7)

Peer Practice - Classwork

Problem Set 5.6, TB p. 314 - 315 Multiples of 4 (numbers 4, 8,, 68)