Using the Distributive Property to Factor Polynomials

Sometimes we might come across longer or more complex polynomials that need to be factored in a slightly different manner than we have perfected over the last couple of weeks. Here are some steps we considered when looking at these types of problems: 1. Look for a common factor in each of the terms and factor it out, if it exists. 2. If no common factor exists for all of the terms, consider grouping two or three of the terms in a set of parentheses, and look for a common factor among the terms in the newly formed group. Factor this out. 3. Repeat step 2 for the remaining terms in the original polynomial. 4. Look at the resulting expression. If there is a common factor emerging from the reconfigured and factored expression, factor it out. 5. Double check to see if your new factors can be further factored. Tonight's Homework: Review your recent work over factoring to ensure you are ready for tomorrow's test. Those of you who will miss class tomorrow should plan to attend resource to get your test taken.