Algebra 2: Factoring Polynomials

What is the first question you ask yourself when factoring a polynomial? 

• How many terms does it have? 
• Is there a GCF? 
• What strategy should I use? 
• Why do I have to learn this?!?!?!

Factor
x² + 9x - 36

• (x + 12)(x - 3)
• (x + 9)(x - 4)
• (x - 12)(x + 3)
• (x - 9)(x - 4)

Factor

5n³-10n²+3n-6

• (5n²+3)(n-2)

• (5n²-3)(n-2)

• (5n³+3)(n-2)

• 10n(n²-6)

Factor
81m² - 1 

• not factorable
• (m-9)(m+9)
• 9m(9m-1)
• (9m-1)(9m+1)

Factor Completely

3x² + 18x +15

Hint: Factor GCF first.

• 3(x² + 6x + 5)

• (x + 5)(x + 1)

• 3(x + 5)(x + 1)

• Cannot be factored

Factor Completely

x⁴-9x²

Hint: Factor GCF first.

• x²(x+3)(x-3)

• (x²+3x)(x²-3x)

• (x²+9)(x-3)(x+3)

• x²(x²-9)

Factor x³ + 2x² - 49x - 98 

• (x² - 49) (x + 2) 
• (x² - 49) (x + 2) (x + 2) 
• (x + 7) (x - 7) (x + 2) 

Factor

3x² - 7x + 2

• (x - 1) (3x + 2)

• (x - 2) (3x -1)

• (x - 1) (3x - 2)

• (x + 2) (3x + 1)

Factor

5x³ - 7x²

• x²(5x - 7)

• x(5x² - 7x)

• x³(5 - 7x)

• Prime

Factor

4h² - 12h + 9

• (2h - 3)²

• 4(h + 9)(h + 1)

• (2h - 3)(2h + 3)

• (h - 9)(4h - 1)