Finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF): To find the GCF of two expressions: Step 1. Write all variables with exponents in expanded form

List all factors—matching common factors in a column.

factoring — Factoring is splitting a product into factors; in other words, it is the reverse process of multiplying. greatest common factor — The greatest common factor is the largest expression that is a factor of two or more expressions is the greatest common factor (GCF). perfect square trinomials pattern — If a and b are real numbers, a 2 + 2 a b + b 2 = ( a + b ) 2 a 2 - 2 a b + b 2 = ( a - b ) 2 a 2 + 2 a b + b 2 = ( a + b ) 2 a 2 - 2 a b + b 2 = ( a - b ) 2. Zero Product Property — The Zero Product Property states that, if the product of two quantities is zero, at least one of the quantities is zero.

Be able to factor the Greatest Common Factor from a Polynomial: To factor a greatest common factor from a polynomial: Step 1. Find the GCF of all the terms of the…; factor by Grouping: To factor a polynomial with 4 four or more terms Step 1. Group terms with common factors; factor trinomials of the form x 2 + b x + c Step 1. Write the factors as two binomials with first terms x : ( x ).