Lesson 6.

4 Factoring tips:
1. The difference of 2 squares: a2 b2 a b a b
2 For example: x4 16 ( x2 )2 4 x2 2 x2 2

2. Sum or the difference of 2 cubes. Watch for perfect cubes a) a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 ab + b2) example: 27x3 + 1 = (3x)3 + 13 = (3x + 1)((3x)2 (3x)(1) + 12) = (3x + 1)(9x2 3x + 1) b) a3 b3 = (a b)(a2 + ab + b2) example: x3 8 = x3 23 = (x 2)(x2 + 2x + 22) = (x 2)(x2 + 2x + 4) 3. Factor as two binomials (FOIL) This will often be used when you have something that looks like: ax4 b2 c For example: x4 2x2 8 = (x2 4)(x2 + 2) this can be factored further = (x 2)(x + 2)(x2 + 2) 4. Factor by grouping: This will often by used when you have something that looks like: ax3 bx2 cx d For example: Factor x3 + 2x2 + 8x + 16 =(x3 + 2x2) + (8x + 16) = x2 (x + 2)+ 8(x + 2) = (x + 2)( x2 + 8)