This week in math I learned of a simple strategy to Factor Polynomials.

C- Common. Is there anything common amongst the terms? If there yes, then you can simplify the polynomial. If no, go to the next step. Ex: =

D- Diffrence. Is there a diffrence of squares. If yes, then you could factor the polynial easily (This only works for binomials). If no, go to the next step. Ex: =

P- Pattern. Is there a pattern? (Only for trinomials) If Yes, go to the next step. Ex:

E- Easy. Is the pattern easy? (Is there a coefficient in the front?) If there is no coefficient in the front then the polynomial is easy and you can factor it. If no, go to the next step. Ex: = $latex (x+5)(x+5).

U- Ugly. Is the pattern ugly? (Is there a coefficient in the front) If Yes, then we can use the square strategy. Ex: