Elementary Algebra 2e

Chapter 1 Foundations
15 Topics
Introduction
1.1 Introduction to Whole Numbers
1.2 Use the Language of Algebra
1.3 Add and Subtract Integers
1.4 Multiply and Divide Integers
1.5 Visualize Fractions
1.6 Add and Subtract Fractions
1.7 Decimals
1.8 The Real Numbers
1.9 Properties of Real Numbers
1.10 Systems of Measurement
Chapter Review Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Chapter 2 Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
12 Topics
Introduction
2.1 Solve Equations Using the Subtraction and Addition Properties of Equality
2.2 Solve Equations using the Division and Multiplication Properties of Equality
2.3 Solve Equations with Variables and Constants on Both Sides
2.4 Use a General Strategy to Solve Linear Equations
2.5 Solve Equations with Fractions or Decimals
2.6 Solve a Formula for a Specific Variable
2.7 Solve Linear Inequalities
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Chapter 3 Math Models
11 Topics
Introduction
3.1 Use a Problem-Solving Strategy
3.2 Solve Percent Applications
3.3 Solve Mixture Applications
3.4 Solve Geometry Applications: Triangles, Rectangles, and the Pythagorean Theorem
3.5 Solve Uniform Motion Applications
3.6 Solve Applications with Linear Inequalities
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Chapter 4 Graphs
12 Topics
Introduction
4.1 Use the Rectangular Coordinate System
4.2 Graph Linear Equations in Two Variables
4.3 Graph with Intercepts
4.4 Understand Slope of a Line
4.5 Use the Slope-Intercept Form of an Equation of a Line
4.6 Find the Equation of a Line
4.7 Graphs of Linear Inequalities
Chapter Review
Key Terms
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Chapter 5 Systems of Linear Equations
5 Topics
Introduction
5.1 Solve Systems of Equations by Graphing
5.3 Solve Systems of Equations by Elimination
5.5 Solve Mixture Applications with Systems of Equations
5.4 Solve Applications with Systems of Equations
Chapter 6 Polynomials
12 Topics
Introduction
6.1 Add and Subtract Polynomials
6.2 Use Multiplication Properties of Exponents
6.3 Multiply Polynomials
6.4 Special Products
6.5 Divide Monomials
6.6 Divide Polynomials
6.7 Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
7 Factoring
11 Topics
Introduction
7.1 Greatest Common Factor and Factor by Grouping
7.2 Factor Trinomials of the Form x2+bx+c
7.3 Factor Trinomials of the Form ax2+bx+c
7.4 Factor Special Products
7.5 General Strategy for Factoring Polynomials
7.6 Quadratic Equations
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
8 Rational Expressions and Equations
14 Topics
Introduction
8.1 Simplify Rational Expressions
8.2 Multiply and Divide Rational Expressions
8.3 Add and Subtract Rational Expressions with a Common Denominator
8.4 Add and Subtract Rational Expressions with Unlike Denominators
8.5 Simplify Complex Rational Expressions
8.6 Solve Rational Equations
8.7 Solve Proportion and Similar Figure Applications
8.8 Solve Uniform Motion and Work Applications
8.9 Use Direct and Inverse Variation
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
9 Roots and Radicals
13 Topics
Introduction
9.1 Simplify and Use Square Roots
9.2 Simplify Square Roots
9.3 Add and Subtract Square Roots
9.4 Multiply Square Roots
9.5 Divide Square Roots
9.6 Solve Equations with Square Roots
9.7 Higher Roots
9.8 Rational Exponents
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
10 Quadratic Equations
10 Topics
Introduction
10.1 Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Square Root Property
10.2 Solve Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
10.3 Solve Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula
10.4 Solve Applications Modeled by Quadratic Equations
10.5 Graphing Quadratic Equations in Two Variables
Key Terms
Key Concepts
Review Exercises
Practice Test
Answer Key
1 Topic
Index
Quiz
Quiz
Previous Topic
Next Topic

7.5 General Strategy for Factoring Polynomials

Elementary Algebra 2e 7 Factoring 7.5 General Strategy for Factoring Polynomials

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Recognize and use the appropriate method to factor a polynomial completely

Recognize and Use the Appropriate Method to Factor a Polynomial Completely

You have now become acquainted with all the methods of factoring that you will need in this course. (In your next algebra course, more methods will be added to your repertoire.) The figure below summarizes all the factoring methods we have covered. Figure 7.4 outlines a strategy you should use when factoring polynomials.

This figure presents a general strategy for factoring polynomials. First, at the top, there is GCF, which is where factoring starts. Below this, there are three options, binomial, trinomial, and more than three terms. For binomial, there are the difference of two squares, the sum of squares, the sum of cubes, and the difference of cubes. For trinomials, there are two forms, x squared plus bx plus c and ax squared 2 plus b x plus c. There are also the sum and difference of two squares formulas as well as the “a c” method. Finally, for more than three terms, the method is grouping.

How To

Factor polynomials.

  • Step 1. Is there a greatest common factor?
    • Factor it out.
  • Step 2. Is the polynomial a binomial, trinomial, or are there more than three terms?
    • If it is a binomial:
      Is it a sum?
      • Of squares? Sums of squares do not factor.
      • Of cubes? Use the sum of cubes pattern.Is it a difference?
      • Of squares? Factor as the product of conjugates.
      • Of cubes? Use the difference of cubes pattern.
    • If it is a trinomial:
      Is it of the form x2+bx+c? Undo FOIL.
      Is it of the form ax2+bx+c?
      • If a and c are squares, check if it fits the trinomial square pattern.
      • Use the trial and error or “ac” method.
    • If it has more than three terms:
      Use the grouping method.
  • Step 3. Check.
    • Is it factored completely?
    • Do the factors multiply back to the original polynomial?

Remember, a polynomial is completely factored if, other than monomials, its factors are prime!

Section 7.5 Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect

Recognize and Use the Appropriate Method to Factor a Polynomial Completely

In the following exercises, factor completely.

Everyday Math

Writing Exercises

Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.This table has the following statements all to be preceded by “I can…”. The row states “recognize and use the appropriate method to factor a polynomial completely”. In the columns beside these statements are the headers, “confidently”, “with some help”, and “no-I don’t get it!”.

ⓑ Overall, after looking at the checklist, do you think you are well-prepared for the next section? Why or why not?

Previous Topic
Back to Lesson
Next Topic