Greatest Common Factor and Factoring

The video tutorial covers various methods of factoring algebraic expressions, starting with identifying and extracting the greatest common factor (GCF). It explains how to check if the remaining expression can be factored further, including using the difference of squares method. The tutorial also demonstrates factoring expressions with multiple variables, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting the GCF in the final factored form.

What is the first step in any factoring problem?

• Check for prime numbers

• Simplify the expression

• Extract the greatest common factor

• Identify the difference of squares

What does GCF stand for?

• Greatest Common Fraction

• Greatest Common Function

• Greatest Common Factor

• Greatest Common Formula

After extracting the GCF, what should you do next?

• Divide the terms by 2

• Multiply the terms by 2

• Add the terms together

• Check if the expression can be further factored

What is the GCF of 2x^2, -4x, and -30?

• 2x

• x

• None

• 2

Which two numbers multiply to -30 and add to -2?

• -5 and 6

• 5 and -6

• -5 and -6

• 5 and 6

What is the result of factoring 2x^2 - 4x - 30?

• 2(x + 5)(x + 3)

• 2(x + 5)(x - 3)

• 2(x - 5)(x + 3)

• 2(x - 5)(x - 3)

What is the result of factoring x^2 - 49?

• (x - 7)(x + 7)

• (x - 7)(x - 7)

• (x + 7)(x + 7)

• (x + 7)(x - 6)

What should you remember to include when using the difference of squares method?

• The product of the terms

• The GCF

• The original expression

• The sum of the terms

What is the result of factoring x^2 - 49 using the difference of squares?

• (x + 7)(x - 6)

• (x - 7)(x - 7)

• (x + 7)(x + 7)

• (x - 7)(x + 7)

What is the result of factoring x^2 - 49 using the difference of squares?

• (x - 7)(x + 7)

• (x - 7)(x - 7)

• (x + 7)(x + 7)

• (x + 7)(x - 6)