Factoring

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial with three terms?

• Look for a greatest common factor

• Factor into two binomials

• Identify the trinomial

• Divide by the leading coefficient

When factoring 8x^3 - 40x^2 - 48x, what is the greatest common factor?

• 8x

• 4x

• 16x

• 2x

After taking out the greatest common factor, what type of polynomial is inside the parenthesis for 8x^3 - 40x^2 - 48x?

• Monomial

• Quadratic

• Trinomial

• Binomial

What mistake do people often make after factoring out the greatest common factor?

• They divide the remaining terms

• They add instead of subtract

• They stop, thinking they are done

• They multiply the factors

In the expression 8x(x^2 - 5x - 6), what are the correct factors of the trinomial?

• (x - 6)(x + 1)

• (x - 2)(x + 3)

• (x + 6)(x - 1)

• (x + 2)(x - 3)

What is the greatest common factor for 3x^3 - 15x^2 - 42x?

• 3

• 3x

• 6x

• 9x

After factoring out the greatest common factor in 3x^3 - 15x^2 - 42x, what is the resulting expression?

• 3(x^2 - 5x - 14)

• 3(x^2 - 5x + 14)

• 3x(x^2 - 5x + 14)

• 3x(x^2 - 5x - 14)

In the expression 3x(x^2 - 5x - 14), what are the correct factors of the trinomial?

• (x + 2)(x - 7)

• (x - 7)(x + 2)

• (x + 7)(x - 2)

• (x - 2)(x + 7)

What is a common error when factoring polynomials?

• Incorrectly identifying the trinomial

• Forgetting to factor out the greatest common factor

• Dropping the greatest common factor after factoring it out

• Using incorrect signs in the factors

What additional factoring technique might be needed after factoring out the greatest common factor and factoring a trinomial?

• Sum of two cubes

• All of the above

• Factoring a binomial

• Difference of two squares