Central Panay College of Science and Technology Inc.

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Mathematics 10
“Factoring Polynomials”

Ms. Ma. Vicenta J. Ferrer

Math Teacher
Contact No. 09630839140

Lesson 1 Greatest Common Factor, Factoring by

Inspection, AC Method, and Quadratic Formula

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 In this lesson you will use the Greatest Common Factor (GCF), factoring by Inspection, AC
method, and quadratic formula in finding the factors of polynomials.
GCF is the largest polynomial that will divide evenly into that polynomial.

Inspection factoring is just taking the factors of the last term and finding a set of factors that will create
a sum of the middle term.

Quadratic Formula is a formula that gives the solutions of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0 and
that is usually written in the form of
−b ± √ b2−4 ac .
x=
2a
To further understand how to factor polynomials, eight sample problems are provided below
with their step-by-step solutions. Study each problem carefully.

Let’s Solve the following examples;

Example 1: Factor 4x4 - 8x3

Steps Figure Expression Discussion

Step 1. Arrange the polynomial in Arrange the polynomial according
descending order. 4x4 - 8x3 to their degree or exponents.

Step 2. Look for the greatest factor 4

4 x −8 x
3
Since 2x3 is common to all terms,
common to every term 2x
3 divide the polynomial by 2x3.

4 3 3
Step 3. Divide the polynomial by 4 x −8 x 2 x (2 x−4) are factors of
the factor found in step 1. The =2 x−4
2x
3
4x4 - 8x3
quotient is the other factor
Step 4. Express the polynomial as Hence the factors of Check mentally by multiplying the
the product of the two factors. 4x4 - 3x3 = 2 x3 (2 x−4) factors using distributive property.

Example 2: Factor 6x3 - 4x2 - 2x.

Steps Figure Expression Discussion

Step 1. Arrange the polynomial in Write the polynomial in standard
descending order. 6x3 - 4x2- 2x form

3 2
Step 2. Look for the greatest factor 6 x −4 x −2 x Since 2x is common to all terms,
common to every term 2x divide the polynomial by 2x.

Step 3. Divide the polynomial by 3

6 x −4 x −2 x
2
2 x (3 x ¿¿ 2−2 x−1)¿ are factors
=
the factor found in step 1. The 2x of 6x3 - 4x2- 2x
quotient is the other factor 2
3 x −2 x −1
Step 4. Express the polynomial as Hence the factors of Check mentally by multiplying the
3 2
the product of the two factors. 6 x −4 x −2 x factors using distributive property.
¿ 2 x(3 x ¿¿ 2−2 x−1)¿

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Note: You can still factor 3 x 2−2 x −1 by using quadratic formula.
−b ± √ b2−4 ac
Use quadratic formula x= in finding the factors of ax2 + bx +c when
2a
the factors are not obvious and if it is not factorable.

Example 3. Factor 3 x 2−2 x −1 using quadratic formula.

Steps Figure Expression Discussion

Step 1. Arrange the The polynomial is in
2
polynomial in descending 3 x −2 x −1 descending order
order.
2
Step 2. Look for the greatest 3 x −2 x −1 There is no GCF. Then
factor common to every 2
3 x −2 x −1=0 transform the polynomial
term. expression to polynomial
equation.
2
Step 3. Use quadratic 3 x −2 x −1=0 Transform the expression to
formula in finding the factors From the equation, a =3, polynomial equation.
of polynomials. b = -2, c = -1. Then use the quadratic
Substitute in the quadratic formula formula since the expression
−b ± √ b2−4 ac is quadratic. Find the roots of
x= quadratic expression. X1= 1
2a
and
−(−2) ± √ (−2)2 −4 ( 3 ) (−1)
x= −1
2(3) X2 =
3
2± √ 16
x=
6
2± √ 16 4
x= =2 ±
6 6
Therefore;
2+ 4 6
x 1= = =1;
6 6
2−4 −2 −1
x 2= = =
6 6 3
Step 4. Transform the roots X1= 1 x 2 = -1/3 Get the two roots. If one of
to its factors. 1( x= 1) 3( x = -1/3) the roots has a denominator
x=1 3x= -1 greater than 1, multiply the
x-1 = 1-1 3x + 1= -1+1 denominator by it equation to
x-1 = 0 3x + 1 = 0 have a factors that is not in
fraction form. Then apply
addition property of equality.
Step 5. Express the Hence the factors of Check by multiplying the
2
polynomial as the product of 3 x −2 x −1= (x-1)(3x+1) factors using FOIL Method.
the two factors.

Example 4. Factor -11x + 2 x 2 - 21 using quadratic formula.

Steps Figure Expression Discussion

3
 2
Step 1. Arrange the 2 x −11 x−21 The polynomial is in
polynomial in descending order
descending order.
2
Step 2. Look for the 2 x −11 x−21 There is no GCF. Then
greatest factor common 2
2 x −11 x−21=0 transform the polynomial
to every term. expression to polynomial
equation.
2
Step 3. Use quadratic 2 x −11 x−21=0 Transform the expression to
formula in finding the From the equation, a =2, b = -11 polynomial equation.
factors of polynomials. c = -21. Then use the quadratic
Substitute in the quadratic formula formula since the expression
−b ± √ b2−4 ac is quadratic. Find the roots of
x= quadratic expression. x 1=7
2a
−(−11)± √ (−11)2−4 ( 2 ) (−21) and
x= −3
2(2) x 2= .
2
11± √ 289
x=
2(2)
11±17
x=
4
Therefore;
11+17 28
x 1= = =7 ;
4 4
11−17 −6 −3
x 2= = =
4 4 2
Step 4. Transform the X1= 7 x2 = -3/2 Get the two roots. If one of
roots to its factors. 1( x= 7) 2( x = -3/2) the roots has a denominator
x=7 2x= -3 greater than 1, multiply the
x-7 = 7-7 2x + 3= -3 + 3 denominator by it equation to
x-7 = 0 2x + 3 = 0 have a factors that is not in
fraction form. Then apply
addition property of equality.
Step 5. Express the Hence the factors of Check by multiplying the
polynomial as the 2 x 2−11 x−21= (x -7) (2x + 3 ) factors using FOIL Method.
product of the two
factors.

In continuation of example 2, the factors of 6x3 - 4x2- 2x are 2x (x -1) (3x + 1).
The next technique in finding the factors is factoring through inspection.

Sydney made up this riddle for Vince “I’m thinking of two numbers”. The product of the
numbers is -24, and the sum of the numbers is -2. Vince tried a few combinations in his head before
coming up with the answer: “The numbers must be -6 and +4.” Is any other combination possible?
The situation above is an example of finding the factors by inspection. To fully understand let us
study example five and six.

Example 5. Factor x2 + 3x – 10 using inspection.

(x + a)(x + b) = x2 + bx + ax + ab

3x -10

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 Steps Figure Expression Discussion

Step 1. Arrange the The polynomial is in

2
polynomial in descending x + 3x – 10 descending order.
order.
Step 2. Look for the greatest There is no GCF. Therefore,
factor common to every term ( ) ( ) the factoring process begins by
opening two sets of
parentheses.
Step 3. Place the factors for (x + ) (x - ) The factors of the first term x2
the first term of the trinomial is (x) (x). Since the last term is
in the front of each set of negative, it indicates that they
parentheses. don’t have the same sign.
Step 4. Find the factors of Factors of -10 = (5) (-2) The product of (5) and (-2) is -
the third term. (x + 5) (x - 2 ) 10. Since the middle term is
(x + 5) (x - 2 )= x2 – 2x + 5x -10 positive, it means that the
bigger factor must be positive
3x and the other factor is
negative. Then use FOIL
Method to get the sum of the
outer and inner term,
-2x and 5x in order to get the
middle term 3x.
Step 5. Express the Hence the factors of Check by multiplying the
polynomial as the product of x2 + 3x – 10 = (x + 5) (x - 2 ) factors using FOIL Method.
the two factors.
Example 6. Factor x2 - 7x – 18 using inspection.
(x + a)(x + b) = x2 + bx + ax + ab

-7x -18
Steps Figure Expression Discussion
Step 1. Arrange the The polynomial is in descending
polynomial in descending x2 - 7x – 18 order
order.
Step 2. Look for the There is no GCF. Therefore, the
greatest common factor to ( ) ( ) factoring process begins by opening
every term two sets of parentheses.
Step 3. Place the factors (x + ) (x - ) The factors of the first term x 2 is (x)
for the first term of the (x). Since the last term is negative,
trinomial in the front of it indicates that they don’t have the
each set of parentheses. same sign.
Step 4. Find the factors of Factors of -18 = (-9) (2) The product of (-9) (2) = -18. Since
the third term. (x - 9) (x + 2 ) the middle term is -7x, which
(x - 9) (x + 2 ) = x2 + 2x – 9x -18 means that the highest factor must
be of negative sign and the other
-7x factor is positive. Use FOIL
Method to get the sum of the outer
and inner term, 2x and -9x, must be
-7x.
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 Step 5. Express the Hence the factors of Check by multiplying the factors
polynomial as the product x2 - 7x – 18 = (x - 9) (x + 2) using FOIL Method.
of the two factors.

Factoring through inspection is tedious and a long process for some polynomial’s expressions.
Thus, alternative way of technique would be very beneficial. Another way of factoring is through
grouping or AC method.

Closely look at the given steps and compare them with trial and error of factoring by inspection.
Example 7. Factor a2 – 7ab + 12b2 using AC method.

Steps Figure Expression Discussion

Step 1. Arrange the polynomial The polynomial is in descending

in descending order. a2 – 7ab + 12b2. order.

Step 2. Look for the greatest There is no GCF. Therefore, the

common factor to every term a2 – 7ab + 12b2. factoring process begins by opening
two sets of parentheses.
Step 3. Find the product of the a2 – 7ab + 12b2. a2 – 7ab + 12b2.
leading term and the last term. (a2)(12b2) = 12 a2b2
(a2)(12b2) = 12a2b2

Step 4. Find the factors of 12 (-4ab) + (– 3ab) = -7ab (-4ab)(-3ab) = 12 a2b2

a2b2 whose sum is -7ab Add the two factors the sum is the
middle term
Step 5. Rewrite the trinomial as a2 -4ab – 3ab + 12b2 Replace – 7ab by
a four-term expression by -4ab – 3ab.
replacing the middle term with
the sum of the factors.
Step 6. Group terms with a2 -4ab – 3ab + 12b2 a (a -4b) =a2 -4ab
common factors and get a (a -4b) – 3b(a - 4b) -3b(a - 4b) = - 3ab + 12b2
the GCF of the first and second Check mentally by multiplying the
group. factors using distributive property.
Step7. Express the polynomial (a -4b) (a -3b) Copy the common binomial factor
as the product. Hence; The factors of and write the remaining factor
a2 – 7ab + 12b2 as a sum or difference of the
= (a -4b) (a -3b) monomial factors.

Example 8. Factor 6b2 – 5b - 6 using AC method.

Steps Figure Expression Discussion

Step 1. Arrange the The polynomial is in descending
polynomial in descending 6b2 – 5b - 6 order
order.

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 Step 2. Look for the greatest There is no GCF. Therefore, the
2
common factor to every term 6b – 5b - 6 factoring process begins by opening
two sets of parentheses.
Step 3. Find the product of 6b2 – 5b - 6 6b2 – 5b – 6
the leading term and the last (6b2)(-6) = -36 b2
term. (6b2)(-6) = -36 b2
Step 4. Find the factors of - (-9b) + (4b) = -5b Add the two factors -9b and 4b to
36 b2 whose sum is -5b get the middle term which is -5b.

Step 5. Rewrite the trinomial Replace – 5b by

as a four-term expression by 6b2 -9b + 4b -6 -9b + 4b.
replacing the middle term
with the sum of the factors.
Step 6. Group terms with 3b (2b -3) = 6b2 -9b
common factors and get 6b2 -9b + 4b -6 2 (2b -3) = 4b -6
the GCF of the first and 3b (2b -3) + 2 (2b -3) Check mentally by multiplying the
second group. factors using distributive property.
Step 7. Express the (2b - 3) (3b + 2) Copy the common binomial factor
polynomial as the product. Hence; The factors of and write the remaining factor
6b2 – 5b - 6 = (2b - 3) (3b + 2) as a sum or difference of the
common monomial factors.

Activity Sheet Math 10

Name: _____________________________________________________________ Gr. & Sec.:
_______________
Note: Please submit only your activity sheet. Provide one whole sheet of paper for your solutions.
Don’t forget to write your name on your activity sheet and paper.

I. DIRECTIONS: Match the following factors to their product.

Column A (Factors) Column B (Products)

____1. 2(x-14) a. 3x5 + 6x4 -15x2
___2. 2x (3x2 – 2x + 1) b. m2 -4mn -21n2
___3. (x + 4) (x + 3) c. m -7mn -30n2
2

___4. (x - 3) (x – 6) d. 6x2 -x -2
___5. (m – 7n) (m + 3n) e. 10x2 + 13x – 3
___6. (m-10n) (m + 3n) f. x2 + 4x -21
___7. (3x -2) (2x +1) g. x2 -9x +18
___8. (5x-1) (2x +3) h. 7m2 +17m+ 6
___9. (7m + 3) (m + 2) i. 6x - 4x2 + 2x
3

___10. (2x + 5) (3x + 4) j. 6x2 + 23x +20

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___11. (3x-2) ( 2x+4) k. x2 + 7x+12
___12. (x+ 7) (x-3) l. -8m2 + 2m
___13. -2m ( 4m-1) m. 6x2 + 8x - 8
___14. 2x (x+3) (x-3) n. 2x - 28
___15. 3x2 ( x3 + 2x2 -5) o. 2x3 -18x

II. DIRECTIONS. Fill in each blank with the correct answer.

1. The first step in finding the factors of a polynomial expression is to arrange in _______________
order.
2. The second step in finding the factors of a polynomial expression is to always check for a
__________________ factor.
3. The sum of the products of the outer and inner term is the __________ term.
4. If the last term (constant term) is negative, the signs between the terms in the binomial factors must be
___________.
5. If the last term (constant term) is positive, the signs between the terms in the binomial factors must be
___________.
6. In checking the factors of a trinomial you can use the ______________ method for multiplying
binomials backward.
7. You can use ______________ formula in finding the factors of a quadratic polynomials.
8. The greatest common factor of 16a3bc2 and 24a2bc4 is _________________.
9. The factors of x2 + 3xy + 2y2 are (x + y) and _________.
10. The product of (7a+2b) and (2a+4b) is __________.
11-15. Fill in the missing number.
Use quadratic formula in finding the factors of 8b2 + 26b + 15.
Transform the polynomial expression to equation________________.
From the equation, a =8, b = 26, c = 15.
Substitute in the quadratic formula
−b ± √ b2−4 ac
x=
2a
−(26)± √ (26)2−4 ( 8 ) (15)
x=
2(8)
−26 ± √ 676−480
x=
16
−26 ± √ 196 14
x= =¿ ±
16 16
−26+14
x 1= =¿
16
−26−14 −40 −5
x 2= = =
16 16 2

Hence the factors of: 8b2 + 26b + 15 = (____) (2b + 5)

III. DIRECTIONS. Find the factors of the following polynomial expressions using any methods:
1. x2 + 3x – 54 6. 6x2 – 8x – 8
2. x2 – 6x + 8 7. 30x2 – 8x – 6
2
3. 3x + 10x + 8 8. 2x2 – 13x + 15
4. 4x2 – 4x – 15 9. x2 – 2x – 80
2
5. x – 34x – 72 10. x2 – 9x + 20
8
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