Factoring Polynomials and GCF

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler factors that, when multiplied together, give the original expression.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What does GCF stand for?

Back

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor, which is the largest factor that two or more numbers have in common.

Front

How do you factor a quadratic polynomial of the form ax² + bx + c?

Back

To factor a quadratic polynomial, find two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b. Then, rewrite the polynomial using these numbers.

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 polynomial: k² + 7k + 10

Back

(k + 2)(k + 5)

Front

Factor the expression: 49x² - 144y²

Back

(7x + 12y)(7x - 12y)

Front

What is factoring by grouping?

Back

Factoring by grouping is a method used to factor polynomials with four or more terms by grouping terms in pairs and factoring out the common factors.

Front

Factor by grouping: x³ + 7x² - 2x - 14

Back

(x² - 2)(x + 7)

Front

Factor the polynomial: k² - 2k - 24

Back

(k + 4)(k - 6)