FACTORING POLYNOMIAL EXPRESSIONS

We learned about the difference of squares, along with the factoring of ugly polynomials.

First, we have the difference of squares.

When a polynomial represents a difference of squares,

it has two terms and a minus sign in front of the constant, and the coefficients are perfect squares.

Next, we have the more complicated polynomials and how to factor them.

The complicated polynomials (also known as ‘ugly’ polynomials as we learned) usually take more time.

1. Check to see if there are any common factors you can find by looking at the coefficients and the variables. (Taking out the common factors makes the process a whole lot easier.)

2. Find numbers that multiply into the leading coefficient.

3. Find numbers that multiply into the constant.

4. Find numbers that will add up to the coefficient of the middle term.

5. Make a list of all of the numbers above and check to see if there are any numbers in common.

6. You get your factored answer!

I hope this helped with your understanding of the lesson.