Factoring Polynomials

What is the first question you ask yourself when factoring a polynomial? 

• How many terms does it have? 
• Is there a GCF? 
• What strategy should I use? 
• Why do I have to learn this?!?!?!

Factor:
56a³-8a

• 8a²(56a³-8a)
• 8a(7a²-1)
• 8a(7a³-a)
• 8a²(35a²-a)

Factor:
 2n²-8n³

• 2n²(n-4n²)
• 2n²(1-4n)
• 2n³(10-8n²)
• 3n(1-4n)

Factor:
x² + 5x - 24

• (x - 8)(x + 3)
• (x + 8)(x - 3)
• (x + 6)(x - 4)
• (x + 12)(x - 2)

Factor:
x² - 10x + 24

• (x - 6)(x - 4)
• (x + 6)(x + 4)
• (x - 12)(x + 2)
• (x - 8)(x - 3)

Factor
3a² + 4a + 1

• (7a-10)(a-8)
• Not factorable
• (3a+1)(a+1)
• (3a-1)(a-1)

Factor Completely:

2c² + 2c - 84

Hint: Factor GCF first.

• (c-6)(2c+14)

• (c+7)(2x-12)

• (c-4)(2c+21)

• 2(c+7)(c-6)

Factor Completely: 
3x² + 18x +15
Hint: Factor GCF first.

• 3(x² + 6x + 5)
• (x + 5)(x + 1)
• 3(x + 5)(x + 1)
• Prime

x² - 25

• ( x + 5 ) ( x - 5 ) 
• ( x - 5 ) ( x - 5 ) 
• ( x + 5 ) ( x + 5 ) 
• Prime

Factor:
p² - 14p

• p(1 - 14)
• 2p(p - 7)
• p²(1-14)
• p(p - 14)