FACTORING POLYNOMIALS (PAGE 3)

Factoring 2 term polynomials: (The difference of two squares)

a2 – b2

(a + b)(a – b)
Substitute the value of a in for the a and the value of b in for b.
Example: 42 - 3 2
(4 + 3)(4 – 3 )
Check for correctness by using the F.O.I.L. method (First, Inner, Outer, Last)

Multiply the First terms 4 • 4 = 42 -------- 42

Multiply the Outer terms 4 • -3 = -12 -------- 42 - 12

Multiply the Inner terms 3 • 4 = 12 -------- 42 – 12 + 12

Multiply the Last terms 3 • -3 = - 32 -------- 42 – 12 + 12 - 32

Combine -12 + 12 = 0 -------- 42 – 32

Factoring 2 term polynomials: (The sum or difference of two cubes)

a3 ± b3
SUM…(+)

(a+b)(a2 – ab + b2)

DIFFERENCE…(-)

(a-b)(a2 + ab + b2)

To remember the order of the signs follow this…

Same
Opposite
Always
Positive
Once you know what the signs will be, make your substitutions, (a for a and b for b)
FACTORING POLYNOMIALS (PAGE 4)

Factoring 4 term polynomials

FACTOR BY GROUPING

ax3 – bx2 + cx – d

Let’s do an example…

3x3 – 3x2 + 2x – 2

1. Group the first two terms together and the last two terms together using
parenthesis.

(3x3 – 3x2) + (2x – 2)

2. Factor out the GCF from both groups.

3x2 (x-1) + 2(x-1)

3. Now factor out the common factor (hint: (x-1)) then group what is left.

(x – 1)(3x2 + 2)