Factoring Polynomials Worksheets

Tips for Factoring Polynomials - Factoring polynomials is one of the most basic calculations students learn in their quest for mathematical excellence. However, as polynomials become tougher, so is factorization practices. Thus, it's essential that you learn the tips for factoring polynomials before you commence with the actual process. Let us highlight those tips below. For any polynomial, no matter how many terms it has, you need to check for the greatest common factor first. In other words, in an expression, you search for a common term that occurs in the entire expression. For instance, you have an expression of 5x - 15. Here, the greatest common factor is 5. So, you can write the equation as 5(x-3). Remember, if you wish to resolve these equations, you have to equal it to zero. Thus, 5(x-3)=0. Now, you need to divide the GCF number throughout the expression. Like (5(x-3))/5=0. The equation then becomes (x-3) = 0. Now, you get the term x = 3. However, if the equation is trinomial (three terms), you can use the FOIL method for multiplying binomials backwards. Moreover, if it's a binomial, then you need to look for the difference of squares, the difference of cubes as well as the sum of cubes.