4

FACTORING POLYNOMIALS AND

ILLUSTRATING POLYNOMIAL
EQUATIONS
Mathematics Grade 10
Quarter 1 / Week 7

1
 FOREWORD

This self-learning kit will serve as a guide in

factoring polynomials. using the different factoring
techniques and illustrating and solving polynomial
equations. It will be your aid as you learn new ideas
and enrich your existing knowledge about
mathematical concepts.

This kit includes the following salient features:

A. What Happened? (Pre-Activities/Pretest).

Provide students the opportunity to
demonstrate what they learned and what
they remember.

B. What I Need to Know?

Provide students the opportunity to
uncover new knowledge about the concept
of the lesson.

C. What I Have Learned?.

Provide students the opportunity to
sharpen their learned concepts and skills and
challenge them to hone their higher ordered
cognitive skills.

In this learning kit, the learners will gain

knowledge and develop their analytic thinking skills.

2
 OBJECTIVES:
a. Factors polynomials by applying factoring techniques,
synthetic division and Factor Theorem.
b. Illustrates and solves polynomial equations.
c. Demonstrates patience and accuracy in factoring
polynomials and solving polynomial equations.

I. WHAT HAPPENED

Looking back!!!

Classmates, let us recall the different techniques

in factoring polynomials.

When we were in Grade 8, our Math teacher taught us

the different factoring techniques which can be applied by :

Examples
factoring using common Product Factors
monomial factor
2a3+8a2–10a = 2a (a2+4a-5

common
monomial factor

factoring
quadratic b2+7b+10 = (b+5) (b+2)
trinomial
quadratic trinomial

3
 Product Factors

factoring
x2 – 8x + 16 = (x – 4) (x - 4)
a perfect
square
trinomial perfect square trinomial

y2 – 16 = ( y – 4 )( y + 4)
factoring
difference difference of two squares
of two
squares

factoring x3 + 8 = ( x+ 2 )( x2 – 2x + 4 )
sum and
difference of sum of two cubes
two cubes x3 - 8 = ( x- 2 )( x2 + 2x + 4 )
difference of two cubes

4
 PRE-ACTIVITIES/PRE-TEST:

A. Find the product.

Pick out the products from the clouds and match them
to their corresponding factors below.

d3 + 8
b2 + 6b + 9
z3 - 27

3x + 12 a2 + 3a + 2 w2 - 16

1. 3 (x+4) = _____________________

2. (w+4) (w-4) = _____________________

3. (d+2) (d2-2d+4) = _____________________

Factoring is the reverse process of multiplication.

B. Find the other factor by applying the different techniques

In factoring the following polynomials.

4. 3x3 – 12x2 + 9x = (3x) ( _________ )

5. p2 + 8p + 15 = (p + 5) ( _________ )

5
I. WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN

DISCUSSION A:

In your previous lessons, you were taught on dividing

polynomials using synthetic division, applying Remainder theorem
and Factor theorem.
This time we will factor polynomials by applying the different
factoring techniques, the synthetic division, and the Factor theorem.
Before we proceed to our lesson proper, let us review on steps
in synthetic division and the definition of Factor theorem.

Steps in Synthetic Division

1. Arrange the coefficients of polynomials in descending power
of x
(or of the variable) in the first row, placing zero for the missing
terms.
2. Draw a vertical line at the left of the first coefficient and write
the value of r.
3. Bring down the leading coefficient to the third row.
4. Multiply the entry in the third row by r, put the result in the
second row under the next column and add. Put the sum in the
third row under the present column.
5. Repeat step 4 until the column of the constant is reached.

The polynomial P(x) has x – r as a factor if and only if P(r) = 0

Proof:
Given a polynomial P(x),
1. If (x – r) is a factor of P(x), then P(r) = 0
2. If P(r) = 0, then (x – r) is a factor of P(x).

6
 DISCUSSION B:

Illustrative examples
a. Factor completely x3 - 3x2 – x + 3, given that (x-3) is one of the
factors.

• The degree of the polynomial is 3, then there are 3 factors

of x3 - 3x2 – x + 3.

Follow the steps in synthetic division.

1. Arrange the coefficients of polynomials in descending

power of x (or of the variable) in the first row, placing zero
for the missing terms.
➢ 1 -3 -1 3

2. Draw a vertical line at the left of the first coefficient and

write the value of r.
• Since one factor is given which is (x – 3), so x – r = x – 3 ;
r=3

➢ 3 1 -3 -1 3

3. Bring down the leading coefficient to the third row.

➢ 3 1 -3 -1 3

1
4. Multiply the entry in the third row by r, put the result in the
second row under the next column and add. Put the sum in
the third row under the present column.

➢ 3 1 -3 -1 3
3
1 0

7
 5. Repeat step 4 until the column of the constant is reached.
➢ 3 1 -3 -1 3
3 0 -3

1 0 -1 0 Remainder

• If P(x) is of degree n = 3, then Q(x) is of degree n – 1 = 3 -1

= 2, it follows that 1 , 0 , -1 are the coefficients of quadratic
polynomial which is x2 – 1.
• x2 – 1 can be factored by applying the factoring method;
the difference of two squares. The factors are (x+1)(x-1).

Therefore, the factors of x3 - 3x2 – x + 3 are (x - 3) (x + 1) (x -1).

b. Factor completely x4 - 5x2 + 4, given two factors (x+1) and (x-1)

The degree of the polynomial is 4, then there are 4 factors of

x4 - 5x2 + 4.

Follow the steps in synthetic division.

1. Arrange the coefficients of polynomials in descending power of
x (or of the variable) in the first row, placing zero for the missing
terms.
➢ 1 0 -5 0 4

2. Draw a vertical line at the left of the first coefficient and write
the value of r.
• Since one factor is given which is (x + 1), so x – r = x + 1,
r = -1
➢ -1 1 0 -5 0 4

3. Bring down the leading coefficient to the third row.

➢ -1 1 0 -5 0 4

8
4. Multiply the entry in the third row by r, put the result in the
second row under the next column and add. Put the sum in
the third ro w under the present column.

➢ -1 1 0 -5 0 4
-1
1 -1

5. Repeat step 4 until the column of the constant is reached.

➢ -1 1 0 -5 0 4
-1 1 4 -4

1 -1 -4 4 0 Remainder

• If P(x) is of degree n = 4, then Q(x) is of degree n – 1 = 4 -1= 3,

it follows that 1, -1, -4, 4 are the coefficients of cubic
polynomial which is x3 –x2 – 4x + 4
• Repeat step 1 – 5.
• The second given factor is (x - 1), so x – r = x – 1; r = 1

➢ 1 1 -1 -4 4
1 0 -4

1 0 -4 0 Remainder

• If P(x) is of degree n = 3, then Q(x) is of degree n – 1 = 3 -1 =

2, it follows that 1, 0, -4 are the coefficients of quadratic
polynomial which is x2 – 4.
• x2 – 4 can be factored by applying the factoring method; the
difference of two squares. The factors are (x+2)(x-2).

Therefore, the factors of x4 - 5x2 + 4 are (x+1), (x-1), (x+2), (x-2).

9
 DISCUSSION C:

➢ (x + 3)(x – 2) is an example of polynomial expression.

➢ (x + 3)(x – 2) = 0 is an example of polynomial equation.

Polynomial equation is an equation that contains a polynomial

expression. It is an equation that can be written in the form
anxn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 +…a1x + a0 = 0.

Example: 2x2 + 3x + 1 = 0 is a polynomial equation, where

2x2 + 3x + 1 is basically a polynomial expression
which has been set equal to zero, to form a
polynomial equation.

➢ How do you solve polynomial equation?

First we recall zero product property.

Zero Product Property

“If ab = 0, then a = 0 or b = 0 or a = b = 0.”

The next theorem also helps us in solving polynomial equation.

FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM OF ALGEBRA

This theorem is attributed to Karl Freidrich Gauss of
Germany. It states that, “If P(x) = 0 is a polynomial
equation of degree n and with real coefficients, then it
has at most n real roots.”
Meaning,
• the maximum number of solutions that a polynomial
equation can have is equal to the degree of the
polynomial.
• it is possible for a polynomial equation to have fewer
solutions (or none at all).
• some solutions maybe irrational or even imaginary.
10
Illustrative example 1: Find the roots of 3x3 -12x = 0.
Solutions: Solving polynomial equation means finding its roots.
3x3 – 12x = 0
3x (x2 – 4) = 0 - by factoring
3x (x + 2)(x – 2) = 0 - complete factoring
3x = 0 x+2= 0 x – 2 = 0 - applying Zero-Product Prop.
x=0 x = -2 x = 2 -solving for x

Therefore, the three roots are 0, -2, and 2.

Illustrative example 2: Solve the polynomial equation

x2 + 2x - 8 = 0.

Solutions: x2 + 2x – 8 = 0
(x + 4)(x – 2) = 0 - by factoring
x+4=0 x–2=0 - applying zero-product property
x = -4 x=2 -solving for x

Therefore, the two roots are -4, and 2.

Illustrative example 3: Solve the equation

(x + 3)2 (x – 4)3 = 0.
Solutions: Since the given equation is already in
factored form, set each factor equal to zero.

(x + 3)2 (x – 4)3 = 0.
(x + 3)2 = 0 (x – 4)3 = 0

x = -3 (two times) x = 4 (three times)

Therefore, the roots are -3(2 times) and 4 (3 times) or it

can be stated as “-3 is a root of multiplicity 2 and 4 is
a root of multiplicity 3”.

11
Illustrative example 4: Solve the equation x4 – 6x2 = 27.
Solutions: x4 – 6x2 = 27
x4 – 6x2 - 27 = 0
(x2 – 9)(x2 + 3) = 0

x2 - 9 = 0 x2 + 3 = 0
x2 = 9 x2 = -3
x = ±√9 x = ±√-3
x =±3 x = ± i√3

Therefore, the two real roots are ±3 and the other two roots
are imaginary.

Illustrative example 5: Solve x3 + 3x2 – x – 3 = 0.

Solutions: x3 + 3x2 – x – 3 = 0
(x3 + 3x2) - (x + 3) = 0
x2 (x + 3) – 1(x + 3) = 0
(x2 – 1) (x + 3) = 0

x2 - 1 = 0 x+3=0
x2 = 1 x =-3
x = ± √1
x = ±1

Therefore, the real roots are 1, - 1, and – 3. There

are 3 roots since the degree of the polynomial
equation is 3.

12
III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

EVALUATION/POST TEST:

A. By using the synthetic division, complete the factorization

of the following polynomials. One of the factors is given.
The first one is done for you.

1. x3 – 3x + 2 = ( x -1 ) (______)(______)

1 1 0 -3 2
1 1 -2

1 1 -2 0 x2 + x - 2
( x +2 )( x-1 ) factors

therefore, the factors of x3 – 3x + 2 are ( x -1 )( x-1 )( x +2 ) or

(x-1)2 (x+2)

2. x3 + 4x2 + x - 6 = ( x +2 ) (______)(______)

-2 ] 1 4 1 -6
-2 -4 6

1 2 -3 0 x2 + 2x -3
(____ )(____ ) factors

therefore, the factors of x3 + 4x2 + x -6 are (____ ) ( ____ )(____ )

13
 3. x4 - 5x2 + 4 = ( x +1 )( x - 1)(_____)(_____)

-1 1 0 -5 0 4
-1 1 4 -4
1 1 -1 -4 4 0
1 0 -4
1 0 -4 0 x2 - 4
(____ )(____ ) factors

therefore, the factors of x4 - 5x2 + 4 are (___)(___)(___)(___)

B. Solve the following polynomial equations. Show

your solutions.
Hint: The roots are found inside the flowers.

4. (x + 9) (x – 5) = 0

5. x2 – 12x + 20 = 0

6. (x - 3)2(x – 6)3 = 0

3(2 times)
10 & 2 2x-&5 -10 & -2
6(3 times)

-3(2 times)
x-1
&
-9 & 5
6(3 times) x-1

14
 REFERENCES
Books
Capul, Erist A., et.al. Next Generation Math 10. Makati
City, Philippines: Diwa Learning System Inc., 2015.

Lim, Yvette, et.al (2017), Math for Engaged Learning.

Quezon City, Philippines. Sibs Publishing House, Inc.,
pp. 91-99.

Orines, Fernando B., et.al. Advanced Algebra,

Trigonometry, and Statistics. Quezon City,
Philippines: Phoenix Publishing House, 2004

PASMEP. Teaching Mathematics III Volume I: Factoring

Polynomials.

Effective Alternative Secondary Education (EASE) Module 2,

Mathematics IV Polynomial Functions, pp.2-5.

Mathematics Learner’s Module for Grade 10, pp. 82-87.

Website
Brennan, James. “Understanding Algebra”.
https://www.jamesbrennan.org

Stapel, Elizabeth. “Factor Theorem”. (2020).

https://www.purplemath.com/ modules/ factrthm. html

Stapel, Elizabeth. “Synthetic Division”. (2020).

https://www.purplemath.com/modules/synthdiv.htm l

https://brownmath.com/alge/polysol.htm
https://www.wikihow.com/Solve-Polynomials

15
16
 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

JOELYZA M. ARCILLA, EdD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

MARCELO K. PALISPIS, EdD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

NILITA L. RAGAY, EdD

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
CID Chief

ROSELA R. ABIERA
Education Program Supervisor – (LRMS)

ELISA L. BAGUIO, EdD

Division Education Program Supervisor – MATHEMATICS

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian II (LRMDS)

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO II (LRMDS)

NAME OF WRITERS
Claudeth S. Mercado and James D. Rodriguez
_________________________________

ALPHA QA TEAM
CLAUDETH S. MERCADO
JAMES D. RODRIGUEZ
JEROME Y. SILORIO, EdD
MARICEL T. TROPEZADO

BETA QA TEAM
ELIZABETH A. ALAP-AP
EPIFANIA Q. CUEVAS
NIDA BARBARA S. SUASIN
VRENDIE P. SYGACO
MELBA S. TUMARONG
HANNAHLY I. UMALI

ENHANCEMENT TEAM
CLAUDETH S. MERCADO
JAMES D. RODRIGUEZ
MARIA FATIMA M. EMPERADO
LEONARDO M. GASO, JR.

DISCLAIMER

The information, activities and assessments used in this material are designed to provide accessible learning modality to theteachers
and learners of the Division of Negros Oriental. The contents of this module are carefully researched, chosen, and evaluated to comply with the
set learning competencies. The writers and evaluator were clearly instructed to give credits to information and illustrations used to substantiate
this material. All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without expressed written consent from the division.
SYNOPSIS
The Department of Education aims
ANSWER KEY
to empower students with life-long
Pre-Activities/Pre-Test
learning and functional literacy. 1. 3x + 12
Mathematics is one of the tools in 2. w2 – 16
3. d3 + 8
the realization of this endeavor. 4. x2 – 4x + 3
This SLK contains different activities 5. p + 3
Evaluation:
on factoring polynomials and solving 2. (x + 2)(x + 3)(x – 1)
polynomial equations for students to 3. (x + 1)(x – 1)(x + 2)(x – 2)
develop analytical and creative skills 4. -9 and 5
5. 10 and 2
and demonstrate knowledge and 6. -3 (2 times)
understanding of mathematical 6 (3 times)

application and connections.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Claudeth S. Mercado, finished her Bachelor's degree
in Bachelor of Arts major in Mathematics at Cebu Normal
University. She completed the academic requirements in Master of
Arts in Mathematics Teaching (MAMT) at Negros Oriental State
University. She is a Secondary Mathematics teacher III at
Casiano Z. Napigkit National High School. She has been in the
teaching profession for 19 years. She was one of the writers and the
focal person in the development of mathematics contextualized
teaching-learning materials (Grade 10) from phase I
to phase IV. She is also a member of the Quality Assurance Team in
evaluating Self Leaning Kit. Currently, she is the district math
coordinator of Sta. Catalina I.

James D. Rodriguez earned his Master of Arts in Education major in

Mathematics at Foundation University (FU) and Bachelor of
Science in Mathematics at the same university. He also earned his
Diploma in Science Teaching major in Physics at the University of
the Philippines Open University (UPOU).
Currently a faculty member of Jose Marie Locsin Memorial
High School teaching Grade 10 mathematics and the district
mathematics coordinator (secondary level) of Zamboanguita
District, Division of Negros Oriental.