Algebra: Chapter 6-1, p 262
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring is the reverse of multiplying. To factor an expression mean to write an equivalent expression that is the product of 2 or more expressions.
To factor a monomial, we find 2 monomials whose product is that monomial. For example `20x^2` has as factors `(4x)(5x)` or `(2x)(10x)` or `(x)(20x)`.
To multiply a monomial and a polynomial, we use the distributive property to multiply each term of the polynomial by the monomial. To FACTOR, we do the reverse and FACTOR OUT a common factor. We use the factor COMMON to EACH TERM with the greatest possible coefficient and the variable to the GREATEST POWER.
For example, `16a^2b^2 + 20a^2 = 4a^2*4b^2 + 4a^2(5)`
Factoring is also described here.
Math-8, Chapter 8-6, p 400
Slope – Day 2
See yesterday’s writeup!