FACTOR OF POLYNOMIALS

 The word polynomial is derived from Greek words “poly” which means many and
“nominal” which means terms, so polynomial means many terms.
 Polynomials are composed of constants (numbers), variables (letters) and
exponents such as 2 in x2.The combination of numbers, variables and
exponents is called terms.
Example:
2𝑥3 + 𝑥2 +1 There are three (3) terms in this expression: 2𝑥3, 𝑥2, and 1, where 1 is the
constant, x is the variable and 3 and 2 are the exponents.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FACTORING POLYNOMIALS

1. Greatest Common Monomial Factor- is the highest possible value of a number,
a variable, or a combination of numbers and variables which is common in each
term of a given polynomials.
Formula: ax + bx + cx = x(a+b+c)

Steps in Factoring polynomials with GCMF:

1. Find the greatest common monomial factor.
2. Divide each term in the polynomial by its GCMF.
3. Combine the answers in steps 1 and 2 as a product.
Example:
FACTOR 4x2+6
a. Find the greatest common monomial factor.
6 (3.2)
4 (2.2)
2
x (x)
2
the GCMF of 4x and 6 is 2x
b. Divide each term in the polynomial by its GCMF.
4 x 2+6
= 3 + 2x
3
c. Combine the answers in steps 1 and 2 as a product.
2x (3 + 2x) Therefore, the factors are 2x (3 + 2x)

2. FACTORING POLYNOMIALS WITH DIFFERENCE OF TWO SQUARES- the

product of two binomials which is the sum and difference of its square root of
each term.

Formula: a2 – b2= (a+b)(a-b)

Steps in Factoring the Difference of Two Squares:
1. Take the square roots of the two terms.
2. Write the product of the sum and difference of the square roots.
Example:
Factor x2 – 4y2 using the difference of two squares method.
a. Take the square roots of the two terms.

√ x2 = x √ 4 y 2 = 2y
b. Write the product of the sum and difference of the square roots.
(x + 2y)(x-2y)
Therefore, x2 – 4y2 = (x + 2y)(x-2y)

Answer the following using:

A. Greatest Common Monomial Factor
1. 12a2 + 18a
2. 10x2 + 25x + 5

B. Factoring Polynomials with Difference of Two Squares

1. x2 - y2
2. x2 – 121y2