Factor by Grouping
Summary of the procedure for factoring by grouping.
Factor 35x 15y - 20z
Demonstration of factoring a polynomial with three terms that share a common factor: 35x 15y - 20z.
Thoroughly Check for Common Factors
Be thorough when checking for common factors, especially when factoring by inspection. You have not factored completely until no common factors remain.
Factoring Polynomials - The Distributive Law
Factoring is the process of writing a polynomial as a product of its factors. The distributive law is one of a number of ways to factor polynomials.
Factor: 5y2 6y 5xy 6x
Practice factoring: 5y2 6y 5xy 6x.
Factor: xy 7x 7y x2
Practice factoring: xy 7x 7y x2. Two different factorable groups are demonstrated.
Factoring Before Simplifying a Rational Expression
Examples of factoring before simplifying a rational expression are presented.
Factor: 3xy – 9x 6y - 18
Sometimes a greatest common factor for a polynomial expression can be found before any terms are grouped. This can lead to parentheses inside of parentheses, which can be confusing. Using brackets as a substitute for a set of parentheses can help to...
Factor: c2 - cd c - d
Although a factor of one is not usually written in an expression, it sometimes helps to write it down in order to remember that it is part of the factor and can be used, as demonstrated in the example c2 - cd c - d.
Factoring Problems
Factoring polynomials using three examples to practice procedures and techniques. Be sure the polynomial has been simplified before factoring. Remember that some expressions are not factorable.