Objective: Factor polynomials using the grouping method.
Sometimes polynomials contains a common factor that contains two or more terms. In this lesson, we will learn how to factor out a GCF if that common factor is a binomial. Once we learn how to factor out binomial GCFs, we can apply that concept to learn how to factor using the grouping method.
Factoring by grouping is a factoring method that is used when a polynomial does not contain a common factor throughout, but it can be split into groups of terms that share a common factor and then the original polynomial can be factored. This technique is most often used (1) after factoring out a GCF or if a GCF does not exist in the polynomial at all and (2) if the polynomial contains an even number of terms (4 or more).
To see this method taught and demonstrated, please watch the video below.
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.