Factoring (All Types)

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, called factors.

Front

What is the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers share. It is used to simplify expressions before factoring.

Front

How do you factor a quadratic expression in the form ax² + bx + c?

Back

To factor a quadratic expression, look for two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b, then rewrite the expression using these numbers.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern: a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b).

Front

What is the sum of cubes formula?

Back

The sum of cubes can be factored using the formula: a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² - ab + b²).

Front

What is the difference of cubes formula?

Back

The difference of cubes can be factored using the formula: a³ - b³ = (a - b)(a² + ab + b²).

Front

How do you factor by grouping?

Back

To factor by grouping, group terms with common factors, factor out the GCF from each group, and then factor out the common binomial.

Front

Factor the expression: p² - 14p

Back

p(p - 14)

Front

Factor completely: 3x² + 18x + 15

Back

3(x + 5)(x + 1)

Front

Factor by grouping: x³ - 4x² - 4x + 16

Back

(x - 4)(x² - 4) or (x - 4)(x - 2)(x + 2) after further factoring.