Factoring Techniques: GCF, DOTS, and Magic X

This video tutorial covers various methods for factoring polynomials, including the box method, finding the greatest common factor (GCF), the difference of two squares, and the Magic X method for trinomials. The instructor provides step-by-step examples for each method, emphasizing the importance of checking for a GCF first and understanding when to apply each technique. The tutorial aims to equip students with the skills to factor different types of polynomial expressions effectively.

What is the first step when using the box method to multiply trinomials?

• Use the Magic X method

• Draw a three by three box

• Find the GCF

• Combine like terms

When finding the GCF, what should you do after identifying the common factor?

• Combine like terms

• Multiply the terms

• Use the box method

• Divide each term by the GCF

What is the GCF of 3x^3, -12x^2, and 3x?

• 3

• 12

• x

• 3x

What does DOTS stand for in factoring?

• Difference of Trinomial Squares

• Division of Two Sums

• Division of Terms and Squares

• Difference of Two Squares

Which of the following is a perfect square?

• 3x^2 - 75

• x^2 + 25

• 4x^2 - 64y^2

• x^2 - 3

What should you always check for first before using the DOTS method?

• Magic X

• Box method

• Perfect squares

• GCF

In the Magic X method, what do the two numbers need to do?

• Multiply to make the bottom number and add to make the top number

• Multiply to make the top number and add to make the bottom number

• Multiply to make the middle number and add to make the top number

• Multiply to make the top number and add to make the middle number

What is the result of factoring x^2 - 8x + 12 using the Magic X method?

• (x - 4)(x + 3)

• (x + 6)(x - 2)

• (x - 6)(x + 2)

• (x + 4)(x - 3)

When combining GCF and Magic X, what should you do first?

• Combine like terms

• Draw a box

• Set up the Magic X

• Find the GCF

What are the factors of 2x^2 + 4x - 12 after factoring out the GCF?

• 2(x - 6)(x + 2)

• 2(x + 6)(x - 2)

• 2(x + 4)(x - 3)

• 2(x - 4)(x + 3)