Algebra 2 · Grades 9 to 11
Factoring polynomials
Write a polynomial as a product of factors.
The idea
Factoring writes a sum or difference as a product. The difference of squares rule is a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b).
Look for two perfect squares with a minus sign between them. Then write the two brackets.
Worked examples
- How to Factor a Difference of Squares Factor x^2 - 49 with the difference of squares rule. Three steps, the pattern, and the mistakes that miss one bracket.
- How to Solve a Quadratic Equation by Factoring Solve x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0 by factoring. Four steps, the zero-product reason, and the factoring mistakes that lose solutions.
- How to Use the Quadratic Formula Solve 2x^2 + 3x - 2 = 0 with the quadratic formula. Five steps, the discriminant, and the sign mistakes to avoid.
Practice this topic
3 problems with answers.