Algebra 1 : How to factor a polynomial

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra 1

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Solving By Factoring

Simplify:

 

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Change division into multiplication by the reciprocal which gives us the following

 

Now 

this results in the following:

 

Simplification gives us

  which equals

Example Question #321 : Variables

Simplify .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Here, we simply need to identify that the numerator, , is a factor of the denominator. Let's start by factoring . The reverse FOIL method shows us that  multiplies to give us , so we can rewrite the fraction as . Canceling the common term gives us our answer of .

Example Question #12 : How To Factor A Polynomial

Factor the polynomial completely

Possible Answers:

The polynomial cannot be factored further.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The coefficients 16 and 64 have greatest common factor 16; there is no variable that is shared by both terms. Therefore, we can distribute out 16:

 cannot be factored further, so  is as far as we can go.

Example Question #331 : Variables

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Correct answer:

Explanation:


Example Question #11 : How To Factor A Polynomial

 

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Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #12 : How To Factor A Polynomial

 

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Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #334 : Polynomials

Factor completely:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, take out the greatest common factor of the terms. The GCF of 5 and 50 is 5 and the GCF of  and  is , so the GCF of the terms is .

When  is distributed out, this leaves .

 is linear and thus prime, so no further factoring can be done.

Example Question #13 : How To Factor A Polynomial

Factor the following polynomial.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This polynomial is a difference of two squares. The below formula can be used for factoring the difference of any two squares.

Using our given equation as , we can find the values to use in our factoring.

Example Question #336 : Polynomials

Factor 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When factoring a polynomial that has no coefficient in front of the  term, you begin by looking at the last term of the polynomial, which is .  You then think of all the factors of  that when added together equal , the coefficient in front of the  term.  The only combination of factors of  that can satisfy this condition is  and .  Thus, the factors of the polynomial are .

Example Question #335 : Variables

 

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Correct answer:

Explanation:


 

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