When asked to factor , always factor out any Greatest
Common Factor [GCF]
before using any other method. Then your choice of technique depends on the
number of terms .
1. Two Terms —
• If the terms are perfect squares, use Difference of Squares
Formula first .
• If possible, use Difference of Cubes or Sum of Cubes
Formula.
2. Three Terms —
• Use the Trial and Error Method
• Or Use the alternate method called either “AC, By Grouping”,
“FOIL”, or “Master Product”.
Note: the Riverside Learning Lab has a handout called Factoring Trinomials ,
which displays both these methods.
3. Four Terms—
• Use the “ By Grouping ” method.
When finished make sure the GCF is listed as a factor and
no GCF remains in
any of the factors. Also look at the binomial factors for a remaining Difference
of Squares , Difference of Cubes, or Sum of Cubes.
For clarity you may wish to use the a & b version if the
problem contains x or
y. Alternately, use the x and y, if the problem contains a or b.
