4.7 - Factor Completely

Front

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial completely?

Back

Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of all the terms.

Front

Back

x(x+5)(x-3)

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial completely?

Back

To express the polynomial as a product of its irreducible factors.

Front

Back

3(x-2)(x-5)

Front

What is the difference between factoring and expanding a polynomial?

Back

Factoring breaks down a polynomial into simpler components, while expanding multiplies out the components.

Front

Back

2(x-10)(x+3)

Front

What is a common mistake when factoring polynomials?

Back

Forgetting to factor out the GCF first.

Front

Back

x(x+3)(x-3)

Front

What is the role of the zero product property in factoring?

Back

It states that if a product of factors equals zero, at least one of the factors must be zero.

Front

Back

Not factorable