Steps When Factoring

Question 1

When factoring, check to see for ___.

Answer 1

GCF (Greatest Common Factor)

Question 2

If there is a GCF, ______ ___ for easier factoring further on.

Answer 2

factor out

Question 3

Clues that you cannot factor further: if exponent is _.

Answer 3

1

Question 4

If there are two terms, how many terms should there be in the factored expression?

Answer 4

Two terms

Question 5

Plan for Factoring: first step.

Answer 5

Make sure the expression/equation is in standard form.

Question 6

Plan for Factoring: second step.

Answer 6

Look for a GCF.

Question 7

Plan for Factoring: third step.

Answer 7

Think about terms; if there is two terms, check for a difference of squares.

Question 8

If a & c are perfect squares, what two things might help?

Answer 8

Using perfect squares and square roots.

Question 9

If the leading coefficient is not 1 anymore, the coefficient is going to be…

Answer 9

Bigger/negative

Question 10

When using the box method: if there is a GCF…

Answer 10

Factor out before using box method.

Question 11

Factoring answer must contain…

Answer 11

All parts.

Question 12

Signs: x^2+ax+b

Answer 12

(x+a) (x+b)

Question 13

Signs: x^2+ax-b

Answer 13

(x+a) (x-b)

Question 14

Which factor is negative: x^2+ax-b

Answer 14

Lesser factor

Question 15

Signs: x^2-ax-b

Answer 15

(x-a) (x+b)

Question 16

Signs: x^2-ax+b

Answer 16

(x-a) (x-b)

Question 17

Which factor is negative: x^2-ax-b

Answer 17

Greater factor

Question 18

If there is no middle term, what are the two factors?

Answer 18

The same number.