MATHEMATICS – 8

 Factoring
❖ Factoring is a process of finding all the factors when the product is given.
❖ Factors are numbers or quantities (or expressions) that are multiplied together to get a product.
❖ A factor of a given number is a number that may exactly divide the given number.
Example: What are the factors of 16? Answer: ± 1, ± 2, ± 4, ± 8, and ±16

 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 polynomials is an inverse process of multiplication. Therefore, you can check your
factoring process by multiplying the factors back together to produce the original polynomial.
 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 means that all the factors of a number or of an expression are prime.
❖ Prime number
A number is prime if its only positive (or two) factors are 1 and itself.
Example: Prime numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, … (Ellipsis means infinite or endless)
❖ Composite number
A number that has more than 2 factors.

Example: Composite numbers: 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, … (Ellipsis means infinite or endless)
NOTE:
a. The integer 1 is neither prime nor composite. It is a special number.
b. The integer 2 is the only even number that is prime.

 Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

The greatest common factor (GCF) or greatest common divisor (GCD) of two or more
integers, which are not all zero, is the largest positive integer that divides each of the
integers.

Example: What is the GCF of 20 and 30?

Solution:
A. By listing method,
Factors of 20: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20
Factors of 30: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, 30

 GCF = 10
 B. By Prime Factorization method,

20 = 2 x 2 x 5
30 = 2 x 3 x 5
2 x 5
 GCF = 2 x 5 = 10

C. By Continuous Division method,

(or Decomposition method or Successive Division Test)

NOTE: Use only integer(s) that divides each of the integers as your divisor.

❖ A factor of a polynomial common to all the terms in the polynomial.

❖ The greatest common factor (GCF) of a polynomial is the monomial with the highest exponent
(degree of the variable) and the GCF of the numerical coefficient that is a factor of each term of the
polynomial.
For variables (or letters),
𝑬𝒙𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝟏: 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟. 5𝑥 6 𝑦 3 + 15𝑥 3 𝑦 5 − 25𝑥 4 𝑦 4
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:
5𝑥 6 𝑦 3 + 15𝑥 3 𝑦 5 − 25𝑥 4 𝑦 4 = 𝟓𝒙𝟑 𝒚𝟑 (𝑥 3 + 3𝑦 2 − 5𝑥𝑦) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓

Step 1. Determine and factor out the common monomial factor (GCF).
a. Find the GCF for the numerical coefficients (numbers).
𝐹𝑜𝑟 5, 15, & − 25, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝐶𝐹 𝑖𝑠 5.
b. Find the GCF for the literal coefficients (variables).
5
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑥6 𝑦3 + 15𝑥3 𝑦 − 25𝑥4 𝑦4 , 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝐶𝐹 𝑖𝑠 𝑥3 𝑦3 .
𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝟓𝒙𝟑 𝒚𝟑 .
2. Divide each term of the polynomial by the common monomial factor (GCF) to find
the other factor.
5𝑥 6 𝑦 3 15𝑥 3 𝑦 5 25𝑥 4 𝑦 4
+ −
𝟓𝒙𝟑 𝒚𝟑 𝟓𝒙𝟑 𝒚𝟑 𝟓𝒙𝟑 𝒚𝟑
𝑥3 + 3𝑦 2 − 5𝑥𝑦
3. Write the quotient in a parenthesis next to the common monomial factor.
𝟑
𝐶𝑀𝐹(𝑄𝑢𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡) = 𝟓𝒙𝟑 𝒚 (𝑥3 + 3𝑦2 − 5𝑥𝑦)
𝑬𝒙𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝟐: 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟. 36𝑎3 𝑏 7 − 24𝑎4 𝑏 4 + 12𝑎2 𝑏 2
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:
36𝑎3 𝑏 7 − 24𝑎4 𝑏 4 + 12𝑎2 𝑏 2 = 12𝑎2 𝑏 2 (3𝑎𝑏 5 − 2𝑎2 𝑏 2 + 1) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓
The product of the sum and difference of two terms is equal to the difference of their squares. The factors
of a binomial which is difference of two squares are the sum and difference of their square roots.
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 (𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒) 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆. For example, 32 = 3(3) = 9,
9 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒.

The square root of a number is one of its two equal factors. For example, the square root
of 16 is + 4 and (– 4) since 4(4) = 16 and (– 4) (– 4) = 16. The symbol √ is called a radical
sign and indicates the positive square root or principal root.
Thus, √16 = + 4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − √16 = −4. We write ±√16 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡.
Observe the signs (one positive and one negative),
( + )( − ) 𝑜𝑟 ( − )( + )
𝑬𝒙𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔: 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔.
𝟏. 16𝑚2 − 25𝑛2 𝟐. 9𝑥 2 − 64𝑦 2 𝟑. 100𝑎2 − 49𝑏 2
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:
𝟏. 16𝑚2 − 25𝑛2
Extract or get the square roots of the two terms. √16𝑚2 = 4𝑚 ; √25𝑛2 = 5𝑛
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 16𝑚2 − 25𝑛2 = (4𝑚 + 5𝑛)(4𝑚 − 5𝑛) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓
 𝟐. 9𝑥 2 − 64𝑦 2
Extract or get the square roots of the two terms. √9𝑥 2 = 3𝑥 ; √64𝑦 2 = 8𝑦
∴ 9𝑥 2 − 64𝑦 2 = (3𝑥 + 8𝑦)(3𝑥 − 8𝑦) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓
𝟑. 100𝑎2 − 49𝑏 2
Extract or get the square roots of the two terms. √100𝑎2 = 10𝑎 ; √49𝑏 2 = 7𝑏
∴ 100𝑎 2 − 49𝑏 2 = (10𝑎 + 7𝑏)(10𝑎 − 7𝑏) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓

Observe that the sum / difference of two cubes has two factors, one binomial and one trinomial.
The binomial factor is identical to the given polynomial except that the terms are cube roots of the
terms of the polynomial. For the trinomial factor, the first term can be obtained by squaring the first
term of the binomial factor, the second term of the trinomial factor can be obtained by multiplying all the
terms of the binomial factor, and taking the opposite sign from that in the binomial, the third term of the
trinomial factor can be obtained by squaring the last term of the binomial factor.
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 (𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒) 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒄𝒖𝒃𝒆. For example, 23 = 2(2)(2) = 8,
8 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑒.
 The cube root of a number is one of its three equal factors. The cube root of 27 is 3. In symbol,
𝟑 𝟑
√27 = 3, 27 = 3 𝑥 3 𝑥 3. The symbol √27 denotes the real cube root of 27. Each real number,
positive or negative, has one real cube root. For example,
𝟑
√− 27 = −3, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 − 27 = (−𝟑)(−𝟑)(−𝟑).
𝑬𝒙𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔:
𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑔.
𝟏. 𝑐 3 + 8𝑣 3 𝟐. 27𝑑3 + 64𝑠 3 𝟑. 125𝑓 3 − 216𝑒 3 𝟒. 343𝑙 3 − 512𝑦 3
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:
𝟏. 𝑐 3 + 8𝑣 3
𝟑 𝟑
Extract or get the cube roots of the two terms. √𝑐 3 = 𝑐 ; √ 8𝑣 3 = 2𝑣
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝑐 3 + 8𝑣 3 = (𝑐 + 2𝑣)(𝑐 2 − 2𝑐𝑣 + 𝑣 2 ) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓
𝟐. 27𝑑3 + 64𝑠 3
𝟑 𝟑
Extract or get the cube roots of the two terms. √27𝑑 3 = 3𝑑 ; √ 64𝑠 3 = 4𝑠
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 27𝑑 3 + 64𝑠 3 = (3𝑑 + 4𝑠)(9𝑑 2 − 12𝑑𝑠 + 16𝑠 2 ) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓
𝟑. 125𝑓 3 − 216𝑒 3
𝟑 𝟑
Extract or get the cube roots of the two terms. √125𝑓 3 = 5𝑓 ; √216𝑒 3 = 6𝑒
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 125𝑓 3 − 216𝑒 3 = (5𝑓 − 6𝑒)(25𝑓 2 + 30𝑒𝑓 + 36𝑒 2 ) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓
𝟒. 343𝑙 3 − 512𝑦 3
𝟑 𝟑
Extract or get the cube roots of the two terms. √343𝑙 3 = 7𝑙 ; √512𝑦 3 = 8𝑦
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 343𝑙 3 − 512𝑦 3 = (7𝑙 − 8𝑦)(49𝑙 2 + 56𝑙𝑦 + 64𝑦 2 ) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓
When you square a binomial, the product / result is called perfect square trinomial.

𝑬𝒙𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔: Factor each of the following.

𝟏. 𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 36 𝟑. 9𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 + 16

𝟐. 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 1 𝟒. 64 − 80𝑚 + 25𝑚2

𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:
𝟏. 𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 36 = (𝑥 + 6)2
√𝑥 2 = 𝑥 ; √36 = 6
𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌:
(𝑥 + 6)2 = 𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 36
The square of a binomial
To square a quantity is to multiply that quantity by itself.
So, (𝑥 + 6)2 = (𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 + 6)
= 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 6𝑥 + 36 By distributive property of multiplication.
= 𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 36 Combine like terms.
Try this (short cut),
(𝒙 + 𝟔)𝟐 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑𝟔
 𝟐. 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 1 = (2𝑥 + 1)2
√4𝑥 2 = 2𝑥 ; √1 = 1
𝟑. 9𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 + 16 = (3𝑥 − 4)2
√9𝑥 2 = 3𝑥 ; √16 = 4
𝟒. 64 − 80𝑚 + 25𝑚2 = (8 − 5𝑚)2
√64 = 8 ; √25𝑚2 = 5𝑚

 Quadratic Trinomial
Quadratic: Degree (or Highest exponent) is 2.
Trinomial: 3 terms
When two binomials are multiplied together, their product is a binomial, a trinomial, or
a four-term polynomial.
Examples:
1. (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2) = 𝑥 2 − 4 A binomial (two terms).
2. (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 2) = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6 A trinomial (3 terms).
3. (𝑥 + 𝑎)(𝑥 + 𝑏) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑎𝑏 A polynomial of 4 terms.
☺ Riddle (Bugtong):
“I’m thinking of two numbers. The product of the numbers is 18, and their sum is 9.
What are the numbers?”
 Review: Find the product:
1. (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 6)
2. (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 7)
3. (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 9)
4. (3𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 5)
Solution:
1. (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 6)

𝒐𝒓 (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 6) = 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 18 Distributive Property of Multiplication.

 = 𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 18 Answer
𝒐𝒓 (𝑢𝑠𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑚𝑎𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡)

𝟐. (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 7) = 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 28 Distributive Property of Multiplication.

2
= 𝑥 − 11𝑥 + 28 Answer
𝟑. (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 9) = 𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 5𝑥 − 45 Distributive Property of Multiplication.
2
= 𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 45 Answer
𝟒. (3𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 5) = 6𝑥 2 + 15𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 5 Distributive Property of Multiplication.
= 6𝑥 2 + 13𝑥 − 5 Answer
Examples: Factor.
𝟏. 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙 + 𝟏𝟖 𝟑. 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐
𝟐. 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟏𝒙 + 𝟐𝟖 𝟒. 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟐𝟎
Solutions:
𝟏. 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙 + 𝟏𝟖
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒔:
1. Write two sets of parenthesis.
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙 + 𝟏𝟖 = ( )( )
2. Factor the first term (𝒙 ). We have x and x.
𝟐

The first terms of the two binomial factors are x and x. Then we have,
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙 + 𝟏𝟖 = (𝒙 + )(𝒙 + )
3. Factor the last term.
The + 𝟏𝟖 suggest that the signs of the factors of the last term are alike (or the same). That is,
it could be both 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(+) or both 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(−). Now, consider the sign of the middle
term. In this example, the sign of the middle term is 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(+) so you may try all the
𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(+) factors of the last term then get the sum of those factors and compare with the
𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 (+ 𝟗).

𝑵𝑶𝑻𝑬: You may disregard all the 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(−) factors of +𝟏𝟖 to save time and effort, etc.
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙 + 𝟏𝟖 = ( 𝒙 + 𝟑 )( 𝒙 + 𝟔 ).
𝟐. 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟏𝒙 + 𝟐𝟖
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒔:
1. Write two sets of parenthesis.
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟏𝒙 + 𝟐𝟖 = ( )( )
2. Factor the first term (𝒙 ). We have x and x.
𝟐

The first terms of the two binomial factors will be x and x. Then we have,
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟏𝒙 + 𝟐𝟖 = (𝒙 − )(𝒙 − )
3. Factor the last term.
The + 𝟐𝟖 suggest that the signs of the factors of the last term are alike (or the same). That is,
it could be both 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(+) or both 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(−). Now, consider the sign of the middle
term. In this example, the sign of the middle term is 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(−) so you may try all the
 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(−) factors of the last term then get the sum of those factors and compare with the
𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 (− 𝟏𝟏).

𝑵𝑶𝑻𝑬: You may disregard all the 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(+) factors of + 𝟐𝟖 to save time and effort, etc.
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟏𝒙 + 𝟐𝟖 = ( 𝒙 − 𝟒 )( 𝒙 − 𝟕 ).
𝟑. 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒔:
1. Write two sets of parenthesis.
𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐 = ( )( )
2. Factor the first term (𝒙 ). We have x and x.
𝟐

The first terms of the two binomial factors are x and x. Then we have,
𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐 = (𝒙 + )(𝒙 − )
3. Factor the last term.
The − 𝟏𝟐 suggest that the signs of the factors of the last term are different. That is, one
𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(+) and one 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(−). Find all the factors of the last term then get their sum.
Compare the 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 with the obtained sums .

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐 = ( 𝒙 + 𝟑 )( 𝒙 − 𝟒 ).
 𝟒. 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟐𝟎
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒔:
1. Write two sets of parenthesis.
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟐𝟎 = ( )( )
2. Factor the first term (𝒙 ). We have x and x.
𝟐

The first terms of the two binomial factors are x and x. Then we have,
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟐𝟎 = (𝒙 − )(𝒙 + )
3. Factor the last term.
The − 𝟐𝟎 suggest that the signs of the factors of the last term are different. That is, one
𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(+) and one 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒(−). Find all the factors of the last term then get their sum.
Compare the 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 with the obtained sums .

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒙 − 𝟐𝟎 = ( 𝒙 − 𝟒 )( 𝒙 + 𝟓 ).

❖ 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒄 𝑻𝒆𝒔𝒕
A trinomial of the form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + c is factorable if and only if the product 𝒂𝒄 can be
factored into factors 𝒎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒏 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝒎 + 𝒏 = 𝒃.
Example 1: Factor. 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 15
Solution:
2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 15 → 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = 7, 𝑐 = −15
In the given trinomial, 𝒂𝒄 = 𝟐(−𝟏𝟓) = − 𝟑𝟎. Then, we look for two factors of − 𝟑𝟎.
The factors of − 𝟑𝟎 that will give a sum of 7 are − 𝟑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝟏𝟎.
Hence, the factors of 2𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 15 can be obtained as follows:
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝟏. Prepare a 2 by 2 grid.
 𝟐. Place the first term of the trinomial in box 1 and the third term in box 4.

𝟑. Place 𝒎 + 𝒏 in the 𝒂𝒄 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 in box 2 and 3.

𝑵𝑶𝑻𝑬:
𝒂. The product of the terms in box 1 and 4 → [2𝑥 2 (−15) = −30𝑥 2 ] must be equal to the
product of the terms in box 2 and 3 → [(10𝑥)(−3𝑥) = −30𝑥 2 ].

𝒃. The sum of the terms in box 2 and 3 must be equal to the middle term of the polynomial.
−3𝑥 + 10𝑥 = 7𝑥 ← 𝑀𝑖𝑑𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚
𝟒. Factor each rows and columns.
For columns,
The GCF of 2𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 3𝑥 𝑖𝑠 𝑥.
The GCF of 10𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 15 𝑖𝑠 5.
For rows,
The GCF of 2𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 10𝑥 𝑖𝑠 2𝑥.
The GCF of −3𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 15 𝑖𝑠 − 3.
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 − 𝟏𝟓 = ( 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑 )(𝒙 + 𝟓 ) 𝒐𝒓 (𝒙 + 𝟓)(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑).
Another solution: Guess & Check (Trial & error)
𝟏. 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 – 𝟏𝟓
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝟏. Get the factors of the first term.
𝟐𝒙𝟐 = 𝟐𝒙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒙
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝟐. Get the factors of the last term.

𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝟑. By Guess & Check (Trial & error), find the correct combination that will produce + 𝟕𝒙
 which is the middle term. Below are the possible solutions:
1. (2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 15) = 2𝑥 2 − 29𝑥 – 15
2. (2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 15) = 2𝑥 2 + 29𝑥 – 15
3. (2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 5) = 2𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 – 15
4. (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑)(𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 – 𝟏𝟓
5. (2𝑥 + 15)(𝑥 − 1) = 2𝑥 2 + 13𝑥 – 15
6. (2𝑥 − 15)(𝑥 + 1) = 2𝑥 2 − 13𝑥 – 15
7. (2𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 3) = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 – 15
8. (2𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 3) = 2𝑥 2 + 𝑥 – 15
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 − 𝟏𝟓 = ( 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑 )(𝒙 + 𝟓 ) 𝑜𝑟 (𝒙 + 𝟓)(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑).
When factoring trinomials of this kind, it is sometimes necessary to make several guesses. If you
do not guess right the first time, keep on trying other combinations until you find the correct one. As you
gain experience by factoring many trinomials, you will be able to factor with fewer trials. Always keep in
mind that the sign of the third term of the trinomial tells whether the signs of the last terms of the factors are
like or unlike.
Example 2: Factor. 6𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 20
Solution:
6𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 20 → 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑎 = 6, 𝑏 = 7, 𝑐 = −20
In the given trinomial, 𝒂𝒄 = 𝟔(−𝟐𝟎) = − 𝟏𝟐𝟎. Then, we look for two factors of − 𝟏𝟐𝟎. The
factors of − 𝟏𝟐𝟎 that will give a sum of 7 are − 𝟖 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝟏𝟓. Hence, the factors of 6𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 20
can be obtained as follows:
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝟏. Prepare a 2 by 2 grid.

𝟐. Place the first term of the trinomial in box 1 and the third term in box 4.

𝟑. Place 𝒎 + 𝒏 in the 𝒂𝒄 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 in box 2 and 3.

𝑵𝑶𝑻𝑬:
𝒂. The product of the terms in box 1 and 4 → [6𝑥 2 )(−20) = −120𝑥 2 ] is equal to the product
of the terms in box 2 and 3 → [15𝑥(−8𝑥) = 120𝑥 2 ].

𝒃. The sum of the terms in box 2 and 3 must be equal to the middle term of the polynomial.
−8𝑥 + 15𝑥 = 7𝑥 ← 𝑀𝑖𝑑𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚
𝟒. Factor each rows and columns.
For columns,
The GCF of 6𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 8𝑥 𝑖𝑠 2𝑥.
The GCF of 15𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 20 𝑖𝑠 5.
For rows,
The GCF of 6𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 15𝑥 𝑖𝑠 3𝑥.
The GCF of − 8𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 20 𝑖𝑠 − 4.
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 − 𝟐𝟎 = (𝟐 𝒙 + 𝟓 )( 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒 ) 𝒐𝒓 (𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒)(𝟐𝒙 + 𝟓).
Another solution: Guess & Check (Trial & error)
𝟐. 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 – 𝟐𝟎
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝟏. Get the factors of the first term.
𝟔𝒙𝟐 = 𝟔𝒙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒙
𝟔𝒙𝟐 = 𝟑𝒙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝟐𝒙
𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝟐. Get the factors of the last term.

𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝟑. By Guess & Check (Trial & error), find the correct combination that will produce + 𝟕𝒙
which is the middle term. Below are the possible solutions:
1. (6𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 20) = 6𝑥 2 − 119𝑥 – 20
2. (6𝑥 − 20)(𝑥 + 1) = 6𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 – 20
3. (6𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 20) = 6𝑥 2 + 119𝑥 – 20
4. (6𝑥 + 20)(𝑥 − 1) = 6𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 – 20
5. (6𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 10) = 6𝑥 2 − 58𝑥 – 20
6. (6𝑥 − 10)(𝑥 + 2) = 6𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 – 20
 7. (6𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 10) = 6𝑥 2 + 58𝑥 – 20
8. (6𝑥 + 10)(𝑥 − 2) = 6𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 – 20
9. (6𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 5) = 6𝑥 2 − 26𝑥 – 20
10. (6𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 4) = 6𝑥 2 + 19𝑥 – 20
11. (6𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 5) = 6𝑥 2 + 26𝑥 – 20
12. (6𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 4) = 6𝑥 2 − 19𝑥 – 20
13. (3𝑥 + 1)(2𝑥 − 20) = 6𝑥 2 − 58𝑥 – 20
14. (3𝑥 − 20)(2𝑥 + 1) = 6𝑥 2 − 37𝑥 – 20
15. (3𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥 + 20) = 6𝑥 2 + 58𝑥 – 20
16. (3𝑥 + 20)(2𝑥 − 1) = 6𝑥 2 + 37𝑥 – 20
17. (3𝑥 − 10)(2𝑥 + 2) = 6𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 – 20
18. (3𝑥 + 2)(2𝑥 − 10) = 6𝑥 2 − 26𝑥 – 20
19. ( 3𝑥 + 10)(2𝑥 − 2) = 6𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 – 20
20. (3𝑥 − 2)(2𝑥 + 10) = 6𝑥 2 + 26𝑥 – 20
21. (3𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 5) = 6𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 – 20
22. (3𝑥 − 5)(2𝑥 + 4) = 6𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 – 20
23. (3𝑥 − 4)(2𝑥 + 5) = 6𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 – 20
24. (3𝑥 + 5)(2𝑥 − 4) = 6𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 – 20
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 − 𝟐𝟎 = ( 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒 )(𝟐𝒙 + 𝟓 ) 𝒐𝒓 (𝟐𝒙 + 𝟓)(𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒).
Example 3: Factor. 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 6
Solution:
3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 6 → 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 𝑎 = 3, 𝑏 = − 2, 𝑐 = 6
In the given trinomial 𝒂𝒄 = 3(6) = 18, since no set of factors of 18 will give a sum of − 𝟐, then
3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 6 is not factorable.
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝟑𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒚𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒂𝒍.

A polynomial is factored completely when it is expressed as a product of prime polynomials

(polynomials that cannot be factored).
𝑺𝒖𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
1. Factor out the largest common monomial factor (GCF or GCD), if any.
2. Factor, if possible, any binomial or trinomial into prime factors.
 3. If there are four or more terms, group terms in such a way that they can be factored. Then
factor out any common polynomials.
4. Check by multiplying the factors obtained. The product must be equal to the original
expression.
𝑬𝒙𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒔: Factor completely.
𝟏. 5𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 60 𝟐. 3𝑚5 − 15𝑚3 + 12𝑚 𝟑. 𝑘 4 − 1
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:
𝟏. 5𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 50 = 5( 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 12) Factor out the GCF (5 is the GCF)
= 𝟓(𝒙 − 𝟒)(𝒙 + 𝟑) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓 Factor the trinomial.
𝟐. 3𝑚5 − 15𝑚3 + 12𝑚
= 3𝑚( 𝑚4 − 5𝑚2 + 4) 3m is the GCF.
2 2
= 3𝑚( 𝑚 − 4)(𝑚 − 1) Factor the trinomial.
= 𝟑𝒎(𝒎 + 𝟐)(𝒎 − 𝟐)(𝒎 + 𝟏)(𝒎 − 𝟏) 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓 Factor each binomial as
difference of two squares.
4 2 2
𝟑. 𝑘 − 1 = (𝑘 + 1)(𝑘 − 1) Factor as difference of two squares.
= (𝒌 + 𝟏)(𝒌 − 𝟏)(𝒌 + 𝟏) (𝑘 2 + 1) 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒.
𝟐

(𝑘 2 − 1) 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠.

𝑬𝒙𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆:
1. The area of a square is numerically equal to twice its perimeter. Find the length of a side of the
square.
𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏:

Represent:

Form an equation: 𝐴 = 2𝑃
𝑠 2 = 2(4𝑠) Substitute:
2
Solve for s. 𝑠 = 8𝑠
2
𝑠 + (−8𝑠) = 8𝑠 + (−8𝑠) Add (– 8) to both sides.
2
𝑠 − 8𝑠 = 0
𝑠(𝑠 − 8) = 0 s is the GCF. Factor out (s).
𝑠 = 0 ; 𝑠−8 =0 Equate each factor to 0 then solve for x.
𝑠 = 8 units Answer
Because 0 is not a reasonable answer to the problem, the solution is 8.
Therefore, the length of a side of the square is 8 units.
NOTE: 0 is called extraneous root.
Example:
2. The sum of the ages of father and son is 39. If the father is 3 less than the square of the son’s age,
how old are they?
Solution:
Represent: 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑥 = 𝑆𝑜𝑛′ 𝑠 𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝑥 2 − 3 = 𝐹𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 ′ 𝑠 𝑎𝑔𝑒
Form an equation: 𝑥 2 − 3 + 𝑥 = 39
Solve for x. 𝑥 2 − 3 + 𝑥 + (−39) = 39 + (−39) Substitute then combine like terms:
𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 42 = 0
(𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 − 6) = 0 Factor the quadratic trinomial.
𝑥+7=0 ; 𝑥−6=0 Equate each factor to 0.
𝑥 + 7 + (−7) = 0 + (−7) ; 𝑥 − 6 + 6 = 0 + 6 Solve for x.
𝑥 =−7 ; 𝑥=6 Son’s age
∴ 𝑥 = 6, 𝑆𝑜𝑛′ 𝑠 𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝑥 2 − 3 = 62 − 3 = 36 − 3 = 33, 𝐹𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 ′ 𝑠 𝑎𝑔𝑒
The solution is 6 since there is no negative age. Thus − 7 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.
Check: 33 + 6 = 39 
NOTE: − 7 is called extraneous root.
𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒄𝒖𝒕: 𝑼𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒅,
When you are transposing a term (from left to right or from right to left) change the sign
(from positive to negative or from negative to positive).
Solve for x: 𝑥 + 7 = 0
𝑥 =−7 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒 + 7 (𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛).
Solve for x: 𝑥 − 6 = 0
𝑥=6 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒 − 6 (𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛).