Steps When Factoring Flashcards
When factoring, check to see for ___.
GCF (Greatest Common Factor)
If there is a GCF, ______ ___ for easier factoring further on.
factor out
Clues that you cannot factor further: if exponent is _.
1
If there are two terms, how many terms should there be in the factored expression?
Two terms
Plan for Factoring: first step.
Make sure the expression/equation is in standard form.
Plan for Factoring: second step.
Look for a GCF.
Plan for Factoring: third step.
Think about terms; if there is two terms, check for a difference of squares.
If a & c are perfect squares, what two things might help?
Using perfect squares and square roots.
If the leading coefficient is not 1 anymore, the coefficient is going to be…
Bigger/negative
When using the box method: if there is a GCF…
Factor out before using box method.
Factoring answer must contain…
All parts.
Signs: x^2+ax+b
(x+a) (x+b)
Signs: x^2+ax-b
(x+a) (x-b)
Which factor is negative: x^2+ax-b
Lesser factor
Signs: x^2-ax-b
(x-a) (x+b)