Factoring - Greatest Common Factor, Difference of Squares, Mustang Method, Factor by Grouping

FACTORING

Everyone should have the notes for 5-1 and 5-2. In 5-1 you are to review GCF (Greatest Common Factor), Difference of Squares, Mustang Method and Factoring by grouping.


YOU should remember how to do GCF. All we have to look for is what ALL the terms are divisible by. Whether it be variables, numbers or that leading negative.

Difference of squares we have already talked about. REMEBER: there must be a negative in between the numbers or it will not work.

Mustang Method - If you have three terms AFTER you have completed GCF.

1. Multiply the first term and the last term
2. Factor- find the factors that when added equal the middle term. Go ahead and set up your double parenthesis (x+ factor 1  )(x+ factor 2  )
3. Divide both factors by the number in front of the x squared
4. Reduce the fractions
5. Move any remaining denominators in front of the x's

Factor by grouping - you have already been introduced to this method, but most of you did not like it. So I have attached the notes with directions. You HAVE to use this method when you have 4 terms.