If possible:
1. Remove common factors.
2. Explore the plolynomial and see if it fits any known formula.
a. Difference of two squares: a2 – b2 = (a+b)(a-b)
b. Perfect square trinomial: (a-b)2 = (a-b)(a+b)
c. (a-b)2 = a2 -2ab + b2
3. If there are formulas, factor by grouping.
4. If there are four terms, factor by grouping.
5. If there are three terms, factor by trial and
error.
6. Use the quadratic equation. (This is a last
resort!)
Factor by trial and error:
1. Create two parentheses.
2. Start to fill in the six blanks. Usually, it’s
best to start with the first terms of each parenthesis.
3. Explore your signs. If the second sign is
positive, then use the first sign to fill in the blanks in the parentheses. If
negative, use plus/minus.
4. Ask yourself: What times what equals the last
term, and when combined together equals the middle term?
Zero product property:
If A x B = 0, then A = 0 or B = 0
examples:
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| factoring |
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| factoring |
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| factoring |
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| Zero product property |
