Gcf and Factoring Polynomials with 4 Terms

What must ALWAYS be done before factoring polynomials?

• Factor the difference of two squares

• Look for the value of the variables

• Find the values of a, b and c

• Look for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

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?!?!?!

Which of the following is a good definition for the Greatest Common Factor of a polynomial?

• The constants and variables that are the smallest

• The constants and variables that are the largest

• The largest combination of constants and variables you can "pull out" of a polynomial

• The common factor that is the greatest

Why do we need to find the GCF of polynomials? Choose the BEST option.

• Because Mrs Peterson said so

• To simplify the polynomials as much as possible before working with them

• To get rid of stuff

• Because the GCF makes the problem impossible to solve

What is the first step when factoring polynomials?

• Find the GCF

• List all the terms

• Make a triangle

• Write the answer

• Yes, because the teacher is always right!

• No, because 9 doesn't divide into 18 and 36. There are too many variables.

Factor using the GCF:

What is the greatest common factor of the two given terms?

What is the first step in factoring an expression?

• Combine like terms

• Use the Distributive Property

• Identify the GCF

• Write each term of the expression using the GCF as a factor

The title of Section 6.1 is "-----"