Objective: Factor polynomials using any or all of the concepts from this unit.
Below is a general strategy that may be used to factor a polynomial using any or all of the concepts from this unit.
1. If there is a Greatest Common Factor (other than 1) of all terms, factor out the GCF using the distributive property.
2. Consider the number of terms in the polynomial.
If there are four or more terms, try factoring by grouping.
If there are two terms, check to see if the binomial is a difference of squares.
If there are three terms, first check to see if the trinomial is a perfect square; if it is not, then factor by trial and error.
3. If any of the resulting factors can be factored further, repeat the above steps until the polynomial has been factored completely.
The video below contains several examples in which the general strategy described above is used.
Complete the worksheet attachment below and then check your answers using the solutions attachment. Once you have completed these exercises, click the link to return to the course home page.