Learn how to factor the GCF out of a trinomial

The video tutorial explains the process of factoring, starting with identifying the greatest common factor (GCF), which can be a number, a variable, or a combination of both. The tutorial demonstrates factoring out the GCF from a polynomial and then checking if further factoring is possible, particularly with trinomials. The process involves dividing each term by the GCF and looking for two numbers that multiply to a specific product and add to a specific sum. The tutorial concludes with a summary and addresses any questions.

What is the first step you should take when asked to factor an expression?

• Multiply the terms

• Identify the variables

• Factor out the greatest common factor

• Add the coefficients

Which of the following can be a greatest common factor?

• Only a number

• Only a variable

• A number, a variable, or both

• Only a product of numbers

After factoring out 2X from the polynomial, what is the resulting expression?

• X^2 + 2X + 4

• X^2 + 2X - 4

• X^3 + 2X - 4

• X^2 - 2X - 4

What are you looking for when trying to factor a trinomial?

• Two numbers that multiply to give a specific value and add to give another

• Two numbers that add to give a specific value and multiply to give another

• Two numbers that are equal

• Two numbers that are both negative

Why was further factoring not possible in the given trinomial example?

• The numbers did not multiply to give the correct product

• The numbers did not add up to the required sum

• The trinomial was already in its simplest form

• The trinomial had no common factors