FACTORING POLYNOMIALS

I. OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this lesson you should be able to:

1. Factor trinomials .
2. Factor the difference of perfect squares.
3. Factor the sum and difference of perfect cubes .
4. Factor algebraic expressions containing fractional and negative exponents

II. PROCEDURE

Put DVD 1 in and select Section P5. While watching the DVD, follow this study
guide and take notes in the study guide as if you were sitting in a classroom. Stop
or pause the DVD as needed to catch up or copy something down.

Factor the Greatest Common Factor ( GCF )

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #4.

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #8.

Factor by Grouping

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #14.

Factoring a Trinomial

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #24.

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #68.

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #28.

Difference of Two Perfect Squares

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #44.

Sum of Two Perfect Squares

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #48.

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #66.

Sum and Difference of Perfect Cubes

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #64.

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #60.

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #94.

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #96.

Turn in your textbook to page 66.

Problem #100.

STEPS FOR FACTORING

Step 1---Look for common factors (The Greatest Common Factor)

Step 2---Count the number of terms and factor accordingly

a. Two terms

•Sum of Squares prime

•Difference of Squares

•Sum of Cubes

•Difference of Cubes

apply the rules for sum of cubes

b. Three terms—Use the “AC (Grouping) Method ” or “Trial and Error”

c. Four terms – factor by grouping
Group by pairs , factor out common factors.