1. FACTORING BINOMIALS Section 4.3

2. Factoring Binomials (4 Possibilities)
• GCF (Greatest Common Factor)
• Difference of Squares

3. If a GCF exists, simply factor it out.

4. 2nd Possibility DIFFERENCE OF 2 SQUARES If both terms in the binomial are squares and they are subtracted, a Simple Formula will give you the answer.

5. Example 1)
The Difference of Squares Formula is
Find a and b, then plug them into the formula.

6. Examples of Diff. Of Squares

7. Recognizing Monomial Squares
Numbers that are perfect squares are: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36…
Variables that are perfect squares are:
(Any even powered variable is a perfect square)
Monomials that are perfect squares are:
2x2
Check this picture out.
It shows why any even powered
Variable is a perfect square.
2x2
4x4

8. Try These

9. 3nd Possibility SUM or DIFFERENCE OF 2 CUBES
If both binomials are cubes and they are added

10. If both binomials are cubes and they are subtracted
To solve sum and difference of two cubes, simply solve
for a and b. Then plug into the correct formula.

11. a b a = 3x b = 5 GCF FIRST! a = x b = 4 1. Factor completely

12. 4th and last possibility when trying to factor a binomial
If the binomial does not have a GCF & is not a Diff. Of Squares , Diff. of Cubes, or Sum of Cubes
PRIME & NOT FACTORABLE

13. Examples of Prime Binomials

14. Which binomials are Prime?