Factoring in Algebra

Factoring is the process of finding certain polynomials whose product equals a given polynomial. A factor would be each polynomial in the product.

Example:

                        x(x – 8)  =  x² – 8x

Both x and (x – 8) are considered factors of x² – 8x

The first step is to look for any common factor.

Common factors are the factors of each term of a given polynomial.

Also, look for patterns using different factoring properties:

Difference of Two Squares

x² - y² =  (x + y)(x – y)

Sum of Cubes

x³ + y³ = (x + y)(x² – xy + y²)

Difference of Cubes

x³ – y³ = (x + y)(x² + xy + y²)

Factoring - Back to Learn Algebra
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