Wetzel                         

Math101

6.1 – Factoring: GCF & Grouping Method

What is a factor (again)?

Review multiplying polynomials –

                         =

FACTORING – is working the problem backwards

Factoring Out the Greatest Common Factor –

            Steps:

            1.)  Determine the number of terms in the polynomial.

            2.)  Identify the Greatest Common Factor or the largest term that will divide evenly into the polynomial.

            3.)  Factor Out the GCF or divide the polynomial by the GCF.

            4.)  Check to see if you can factor any further and make sure the leading term of  the polynomial is positive.

Ex.:  Factor

1.)            2.)         3.) 

4.) 

The Grouping Method – is used when you are factoring a polynomial with four terms.

            Steps:

            1.)  Group the first two terms together and group the last two terms together in parenthesis making sure there is a plus sign between the two.

            2.)  Factor out the GCF from both sets of parenthesis. 

            3.)  Now the polynomial only has two terms.  Factor out the GCF from both of  these terms.

Ex:  Factor

1.)               2.)          3.)