Factoring: GCF, DOTS, Easy Trinomials with Review

Front

What is the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers have in common.

Front

How do you factor an easy trinomial of the form x² + bx + c?

Back

To factor, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b.

Front

Factor the trinomial: x² - 5x - 36

Back

(x + 4)(x - 9)

Front

What does DOTS stand for in factoring?

Back

DOTS stands for Difference of Two Squares.

Front

How do you factor a difference of squares?

Back

Use the formula a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 9

Back

(x + 3)(x - 3)

Front

What is the first step in factoring using GCF?

Back

Identify the GCF of all terms in the expression.

Front

Factor the expression: 25x³ + 5x²

Back

5x²(5x + 1)

Front

What is an easy way to factor trinomials?

Back

Look for two numbers that multiply to the constant term and add to the linear coefficient.

Front

Factor the expression: k² - 2k - 24

Back

(k + 4)(k - 6)