Factoring Polynomials Using GCF and Difference of Squares

What is the first step when factoring polynomials?

• Find the GCF

• List all the terms

• Make the X and fill in the top and bottom

• Multiply a and c

Factor completely. (Hint: Factor out GCF first.)

18x² - 50

• 2 ( 9x² - 25 )

• ( 3x + 5 ) ( 3x - 5 )

• 2 ( 3x + 5 ) ( 3x - 5 )

• 2 ( 3x - 5 ) ( 3x - 5 )

Which of these can factor using difference of two squares?

• 144x² - 49y²

• x² + 4x - 12

• 100x² + 20x + 1

• 14x - 16

Factor:x² - 25

• ( x + 5 ) ( x - 5 ) 

• ( x - 5 ) ( x - 5 ) 

• ( x + 5 ) ( x + 5 ) 

• Prime

Fully Factor the Following (DOTS)
25x^2-81

• (5x-9)²

• (5x+9)(5x-9)

• 25(x-9)²

• (9x+5)(9x-5)

What is the GCF of 18xy and 12x

• 3

• 3x

• 6x

• 2x

Whenever you are factoring

ANY polynomial,

what do you ALWAYS do first?

• Look for a GCF and take it out

• Use XBox Method

• Use Factor By Grouping

• Cry

What isn't this quadratic a Difference of Squares?

• It's not a difference

• 36 is not a perfect square

• 1 is not a perfect square

• Silly goose, it is a difference of squares!

• x² is not a perfect square