1. 6-7 Factoring: A General Strategy Warm-up Problems Factor. 1. 2. 3. 4.

2. Chapter 6 6-7 Factoring: A General Strategy

3. Factoring Polynomials 1.Always look for a common factor. 2.Then look at the number of terms. Two terms: Determine whether you have a difference of squares. Three terms: Determine whether you have a trinomial square of a binomial. If not, test the factors of the terms. Four terms: Try factoring by grouping. 3.Always factor completely.

4. Example 1 Factor 1.Look first for a common factor. 2.Factor a difference of two squares. 3. Have we factored completely?

5. Example 2 Factor 1.Look first for a common factor. 2.Factor a difference of two squares. 3. Have we factored completely?

6. Example 3 Factor 1.Look first for a common factor. 2.Factor by grouping. 3. Have we factored completely?

7. Example 4 Factor 1.Look first for a common factor. 2.Determine whether the trinomial is a square of a binomial. If not, test the factors of the terms. 3. Have we factored completely?

8. Try This Factor. a. b. c.

9. Try This Factor. d. e. f.