Factoring Polynomials by Factoring out GCF
The easiest way to factor a given polynomial is to factor out
the gcf from all the terms (if possible).
Let’s do an example to factor a
polynomial by factoring out the gcf;
consider the polynomial 3x + 12. Given polynomial is a
binomial as it has two terms. 3x is the first term and 12 is the second term.
I will solve it as shown below in the beginning so that
students with all levels grasp the concept very well:
= 3.x + 2.2.3
Now pull out the greatest common factor from each term and we get our next step
Now pull out the greatest common factor from each term and we get our next step
= 3(x + 2.2)
Multiply back the remaining factors inside the brackets to get the answer
Multiply back the remaining factors inside the brackets to get the answer
= 3(x + 4)
