How to factor polynomials: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:43, 6 October 2009

Revision as of 20:45, 6 October 2009

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The first step, no matter what you are factoring, is always to factor out the '''Greatest Common Factor''', commonly referred to as the '''GCF'''.<br />

For example:

:<math>2a^2b^3+4a^4b^4c^3-2a^3b^3=2a^2b^3(1+2a^2bc^3-a),\,\!</math>

<br />or<br />

or

: <math>3x^3-6x+9x^4=3x(x^2-2+3x^3),\,\!</math>

<br />or<br />

: <math>4x(x+2)+3x^2(x+2)=(x+2)(4x+3x^2),\,\!</math>

and