Factoring GCF & Difference of Squares

Front

What is the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers have in common.

Front

How do you factor out the GCF from an expression?

Back

To factor out the GCF, divide each term of the expression by the GCF and write it outside of parentheses.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern that states: a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b).

Front

Factor the expression: 124m² - 20m⁴

Back

5m²(5 - 2m)(5 + 2m)

Front

Factor the expression: 49x² - 25y²

Back

(7x + 5y)(7x - 5y)

Front

Factor the expression: 9x² - 1

Back

(3x + 1)(3x - 1)

Front

Is the expression 25x² + 16y² factorable?

Back

No, it is prime.

Front

Factor the expression: 14a + 21a² + 21a³

Back

7a(2 + 3a + 3a²)

Front

What is a prime expression in factoring?

Back

A prime expression is one that cannot be factored further into simpler expressions.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial?

Back

Identify and factor out the GCF from all terms.