1. Factoring Polynomials: GCF

2. Factoring: To rewrite an expression as a product of its factors
The reverse of multiplication
Use the distributive property in reverse to turn the product back into its factors.

3. To Factor Out a GCF:
Find GCF of both the coefficient(#) and the variable
GCF could be just a number, just a variable, or both
Divide each term by the GCF
Put the GCF out front of the ( ), and each new term inside
“Pull out” GCF from each term
4. Can distribute to check your work

4. 5x2-15x Example: GCF = 5x 5x(x-3) is the factored form
Find GCF
Divide each term by the GCF
Put the GCF out front of the ( ) and each new term after division inside
4. Can distribute to check your work
GCF = 5x
5x2-15x
= 1x - 3 5x 5x
5x(x-3) is the factored form
5x(x-3) = 5x2 – 15x

5. 12x2-18x+6 6(2x2-3x+1) 28x3+4x2+16x 4x(7x2+x+4) GCF=6 6 6 6 GCF=4x 4x
Practice
12x2-18x+6
GCF=6 6 6 6
6(2x2-3x+1)
28x3+4x2+16x
GCF=4x 4x 4x 4x
4x(7x2+x+4)

6. 18ab3c + 54ab2 18ab2(bc+3) 12x3y2 + 44xy3 - 68x2y2 4xy2 (3x2+11y-17x)
Practice
18ab3c + 54ab2
GCF=18ab2
18ab2
18ab2
18ab2(bc+3)
12x3y2 + 44xy3 - 68x2y2
4xy2
4xy2
4xy2
GCF=4xy2
4xy2 (3x2+11y-17x)