Factoring Polynomials

Factoring Question

Factor out the GCF

How many terms?

2 terms

$a^2+b^2=prime$

$a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b)$

$a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)$

$a^3-b^3=(a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2)$

Prime

3 terms

4 terms

Grouping

Rearrange

Grouping

Prime

$a^2+2ab+b^2=(a+b)^2$

$a^2-2ab+b^2=(a-b)^2$

Is the leading coefficient = 1?

AC Method

STM Method

Y

N