Factoring Completely
Overview
Goal. Factor any polynomial completely by working in order — greatest common factor first, then special forms, then the factor-pair or AC method — and solve equations by finishing with the Zero Product Property.
Greatest common factor (definition). The largest expression that divides every term of a polynomial; it is the first thing to factor out.
Lesson Notes
Flip through the notes one page at a time using the buttons below.
Lesson Video
Watch the lesson video.
Interactive Activity
Goal. Factor completely: always take out the greatest common factor first, then factor what remains — difference of squares, perfect square, or ordinary trinomial — and use the result to solve equations.
Factored completely (definition). A polynomial is factored completely when it is written as a product in which no factor can be factored any further.