Happy Factoring

3. Trinomial – Trial & Error

1. If there are 3 terms, with a 1

2. Write two sets of parenthesis
3. Find factors of the first term, put in the front of each
parenthesis – these will be coefficients.
4. To find last two, Find factors of the last term such when outer
and inner terms are multiplied you get the “bx” term in the given
trinomial.
2. Difference of
two perfect squares

1. Find if you have subtraction,

two terms, perfect squares
2. Write two sets of parenthesis
3. Write the square root of each
term and write them in the
Trinomial corresponding spots in the
parenthesis

1. GCF

1. If there are 3
terms, with a=1 1. Find GCF
2. Write two sets 2. Write GCF with set of
of parenthesis parenthesis next to it.
3. Find factors of 3. Write the “left overs” in
the first term, put
Polynomial the parenthesis.
in the front of
each parenthesis.
4. To find last “Big Kid Factor” – use
two, Find factors checklist for factoring:
of the last term 1. GCF
that add to get the
Monomials second term
2. Difference of two
perfect squares
coefficient. 3. Trinomials
“Baby Factor” – find single
variable/number whose product is
the given value

Factoring

Finding the monomials, polynomials, or combination of

the two whose product is the given value.