Factoring Summary
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STEP ONE:


Always check for a
common factor. If there is a common factor, find the greatest common factor (GCF) and factor it out. Once you have factored this out
, check the remaining factor for further factoring.

Example 1         Example 2          Example 3

 


STEP TWO:


Count the number of terms in the polynomial has. This will help you to determine which factoring technique to use:

Binomial          Trinomial         Four Terms

 


STEP THREE:


Check each factor carefully for the possibility of factoring further. If a factor can be factored further by any of the techniques stated above, then factor. Continue to check each new factor for further factoring until no more factoring is evident.

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STEP FOUR:


Check your factored form by multiplying back using the distributive property.

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Practice Problems