Multiplying and 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 completely:

x² + 9x - 36

• (x + 12)(x - 3)

• (x + 9)(x - 4)

• (x - 12)(x + 3)

• (x - 9)(x - 4)

Factor completely:

5n³-10n²+3n-6

• (5n²+3)(n-2)

• (5n²-3)(n-2)

• (5n³+3)(n-2)

• 10n(n²-6)

Factor completely:

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 completely:

x³ + 2x² - 49x - 98 

• (x² - 49) (x + 2) 

• (x² - 49) (x + 2) (x + 2) 

• (x + 7) (x - 7) (x + 2) 

Factor completely:

3x² - 7x + 2

• (x - 1) (3x + 2)

• (x - 2) (3x -1)

• (x - 1) (3x - 2)

• (x + 2) (3x + 1)

Factor completely:

4h² - 12h + 9

• (2h - 3)²

• 4(h + 9)(h + 1)

• (2h - 3)(2h + 3)

• (h - 9)(4h - 1)

Factor completely:

25x²-81

• (5x-9)²

• (5x+9)(5x-9)

• 25(x-9)²

• (9x+5)(9x-5)