Factoring Polynomials Concepts

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 Completely: 
x⁴-9x²
Hint: Factor GCF first. 

• x²(x+3)(x-3)

• (x²+3x)(x²-3x)

• (x²+9)(x-3)(x+3)

• x²(x²-9)

x² - 25

• ( x + 5 ) ( x - 5 ) 

• ( x - 5 ) ( x - 5 ) 

• ( x + 5 ) ( x + 5 ) 

• Prime

(x - 7)(x + 7)

• x^2 + 7x - 49

• x^2 - 7x + 49

• x^2 - 49

• x^2 + 49

Factor
x² + 9x - 36

• (x + 12)(x - 3)

• (x + 9)(x - 4)

• (x - 12)(x + 3)

• (x - 9)(x - 4)

Factor
n² + 16n + 63

• (n-7)(n+4)

• (n+7)(n-9)

• (n-3)(n-10)

• (n+7)(n+9)

Factor
k² - 2k - 24

• (k+4)(k-6)

• (k+4)(k+6)

• (k+6)(k-1)

• (k-4)(k+6)

Factor
81m² - 1 

• not factorable

• (m-9)(m+9)

• 9m(9m-1)

• (9m-1)(9m+1)