Factoring Expressions Flashcard

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

$$(3n + 1)(4n^2 + 1)$$

$$(5x + 1)(5x - 1)$$

$$(2x + 3)(x - 2)$$

$$(m - 5n)(z - 5h^2)$$

$$(3x + 5)(x + 1)$$

A common factor is a number or expression that divides two or more numbers or expressions without leaving a remainder.

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

The quadratic formula is used to find the roots of a quadratic equation and is given by $$x = \frac{{-b \pm \sqrt{{b^2 - 4ac}}}}{{2a}}$$ .

The first step is to look for a greatest common factor (GCF) among the terms.