Factoring Techniques for 4 Term Polynomials

What is the first step in factoring a four-term polynomial using the box method?

• Combine like terms

• Place each term in a separate box

• Find the GCF of each row

• Solve for x

What do you do after placing each term in a box in the box method?

• Find the GCF of columns and rows

• Subtract the smallest term from the others

• Add all the terms together

• Multiply each term by x

In the box method, what signifies that you have factored correctly?

• All terms are positive

• The GCF of each column and row is 1

• The binomials match

• You end up with a single term

What is the key indicator of the difference of two squares?

• Both terms are under a square root

• There is a plus sign between the terms

• Both terms are perfect squares with a minus sign between them

• The terms are divisible by 2

How do you factor the difference of two squares?

• By dividing each term by 2

• By adding the square root of each term

• By subtracting one square from the other

• By creating two binomials, one with a plus and one with a minus

What is the purpose of grouping in the second method?

• To simplify the polynomial

• To eliminate terms

• To add all terms together

• To find the GCF of grouped terms

When using the second method, what do you do after finding the GCF of the first two terms?

• Identify what's left inside the parentheses

• Subtract the GCF from each term

• Multiply the GCF by the remaining terms

• Divide each term by the GCF

What confirms that the grouping method has been applied correctly?

• There are no terms left to factor

• The GCF is the same for all groups

• The terms inside the parentheses match

• The polynomial is completely simplified

Why is the last term not included in the third method of factoring?

• It's an oversight in the method

• It is not necessary for finding the GCF

• It simplifies the process by reducing terms

• The method focuses only on the first three terms

What is the final step in the third method of factoring polynomials?

• Combine all terms into a single polynomial

• Simplify the fractions formed from the terms

• Identify and factor out the difference of two squares

• Add the last term back into the equation