Factoring Review

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

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.

Front

How do you factor a quadratic expression of the form ax^2 + bx + c?

Back

To factor a quadratic expression, find 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 case where a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b).

Front

Factor the expression: 6m^2 + 16m

Back

2m(3m + 8)

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is an expression of the form a^2 + 2ab + b^2, which factors to (a + b)^2.

Front

Factor the expression: 4b^5 + 4b^3 + 16b^2

Back

4b^2(b^3 + b + 4)

Front

What is the sum of cubes formula?

Back

The sum of cubes is a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2).

Front

Factor the expression: 81m^2 - 1

Back

(9m - 1)(9m + 1)

Front

What is the product of sums and differences?

Back

The product of sums and differences states that (a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2.