Factoring Trinomials Completely with a GCF

Factoring Trinomials Completely with a GCF

ALWAYS FACTOR OUT A GCF FIRST WHEN YOU CAN!

• Always look for a GCF and factor it out first.

• Check to see if you can factor further. If you can factor again.

• Check again. Once you can't factor any further, that should be your final factored answer.

Example: Factor 2x² + 20x + 42

Look for a GCF. You can factor out a GCF of 2.

That gives you 2(x² + 10x + 21).

Factor the trinomial. **Don't forget to include the GCF in your final answer**

2(x + 7)(x + 3)

Example: Factor 3x³ + 9x² - 30x

The GCF is 3x.

3x(x² + 3x - 10) now factor the trinomial.

3x(x + 5)(x - 2)

Open Ended

Factor Completely:

2x² - 22x + 56

Open Ended

Factor Completely:

4x³ - 4x² - 80x

Open Ended

Factor Completely:

2ax² - 8ax - 24a