Objective: Define factoring and factor polynomials when terms share a common factor.
To factor a polynomial means to find an equivalent expression that is a product. This equivalent expression is called a factorization. In other words, factoring is a process whereby we rewrite polynomials as the product of its individual factors (aka - its factorization).
There are multiple ways that polynomials can be factored. In this lesson we will learn how to rewrite monomials as their factorizations and also learn how to factor polynomials when the terms within the polynomial share a common factor. We call this second technique factoring out the greatest common factor (or GCF).
To help us factor throughout this unit, we must remember that factoring is simply using the distributive property in reverse. Since the distributive property states that a(b+c) = ab + ac, then this must also mean that by factoring ab + ac = a(b + c).
Complete the worksheet attachment below and then check your answers using the solutions attachment. Once you have completed these exercises, click the link to advance to the next lesson.