College Algebra 'Factoring'

Factoring- the process of finding polynomials whose product equals a given polynomial 

Prime polynomial- cannot be factored

GCF- greatest common factor

Factoring by grouping- when a polynomial has more than three terms, it can sometimes be factored by grouping   *usually the first 2 terms are grouped and the last 3 terms are grouped*

Factoring Process:

1. factor out GCF from every term

2. factor trinomial using box or trial and error

3. check factoring binomials under special rules- difference of squares, sum of cubes, and difference of cubes

4. if more than 3 terms, check for factoring by grouping