Factoring Polynomials

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What is the GCF (Greatest Common Factor)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers have in common. It is used in factoring polynomials to simplify expressions.

Front

True or False: You should always try factoring by GCF first.

Back

True

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What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

Back

Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of its factors, which can be numbers, variables, or other polynomials.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

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What is the standard form of a polynomial?

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The standard form of a polynomial is written in descending order of the degree of its terms, such as ax^n + bx^(n-1) + ... + k.

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What is a binomial?

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A binomial is a polynomial that contains exactly two terms, such as x + 5 or 3x^2 - 2.

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What is a trinomial?

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A trinomial is a polynomial that contains exactly three terms, such as x^2 + 5x + 6.

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What is the difference of squares?

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

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How do you factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + bx + c?

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To factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b, then express it as (x + m)(x + n).

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What is the FOIL method?

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The FOIL method is a technique used to multiply two binomials, standing for First, Outside, Inside, Last.