Extra Credit: Factoring

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, or factors, that when multiplied together give the original expression.

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers have in common. It is used in factoring to simplify expressions.

Front

How do you factor out the GCF from an expression?

Back

To factor out the GCF, identify the largest factor common to all terms in the expression, then divide each term by the GCF and write the expression as a product of the GCF and the simplified expression.

Front

Factor the expression: 8r^3 - 16r^2

Back

8r^2(r - 2)

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with exactly two terms, such as a + b.

Front

Factor the expression: 16x^2 - 20xy

Back

4x(4x - 5y)

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with exactly three terms, such as a^2 + b + c.

Front

Factor the expression: 2n^2 - 8n^3

Back

2n^2(1 - 4n)

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern that states a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b).

Front

Factor the expression: 5ab^2c^11 + 2bc^5

Back

bc^5(5ab^2c^6 + 2)