Overview
On this page, we start reviewing factoring polynomials into a product of polynomials of smaller degree. We start by considering the greatest common factor (GCF), as well as the method of grouping.
Basic Learning Objectives
These are the tasks you should be able to perform with reasonable fluency when you arrive at your next class meeting. Important new vocabulary words are indicated in italics.
- Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of a polynomial and factor it out.
Advanced Learning Objectives
In addition to mastering the basic objectives, here are the tasks you should be able to perform after class, with practice:
- Factor out the greatest common factor if it is a binomial.
- Factor a polynomial with 4 terms by grouping.
To prepare for class
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Watch the following videos (by Tyler Wallace) which show how to identify the greatest common factor and then factor it out:
After class
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Watch the following video (by Tyler Wallace) which shows that the greatest common factor can sometimes be a binomial (or even higher-degree polynomial):
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Watch the following videos (by Tyler Wallace) which explain how we can sometimes factor a polynomial of 4 terms using the method of grouping to find a binomial GCF:
