Factoring Polynomials

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Math › Factoring Polynomials

Questions 1 - 10
1

Factor the following polynomial:

Explanation

Begin by separating into like terms. You do this by multiplying and , then finding factors which sum to

Now, extract like terms:

Simplify:

2

Factor the following polynomial:

Explanation

To begin, distribute the squares:

Now, combine like terms:

3

Factor the following polynomial:

Explanation

Begin by extracting from the polynomial:

Now, distribute the cubic polynomial:

4

Factor

Cannot be Factored

Explanation

Use the difference of perfect cubes equation:

In ,

and

5

Factor this expression:

Explanation

First consider all the factors of 12:

1 and 12

2 and 6

3 and 4

Then consider which of these pairs adds up to 7. This pair is 3 and 4.

Therefore the answer is .

6

Factor the following polynomial:

Explanation

Begin by extracting like terms:

Now, rearrange the right side of the polynomial by reversing the signs:

Combine like terms:

Factor the square and cubic polynomial:

7

Factor the following polynomial:

Explanation

Begin by rearranging the terms to group together the quadratic:

Now, convert the quadratic into a square:

Finally, distribute the :

8

Factor the following polynomial:

Explanation

Begin by extracting from the polynomial:

Now, rearrange to combine like terms:

Extract the like terms and factor the cubic:

Simplify by combining like terms:

9

Factor the following polynomial:

Explanation

Begin by extracting from the polynomial:

Now, rearrange to combine like terms:

Extract the like terms and factor the cubic:

Simplify by combining like terms:

10

Factor the polynomial completely and solve for .

Explanation

To factor and solve for in the equation

Factor out of the equation

Use the "difference of squares" technique to factor the parenthetical term, which provides the completely factored equation:

Any value that causes any one of the three terms , , and to be will be a solution to the equation, therefore

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