Description

One fundamental skill that comes out of Algebra is the reverse operation of multiplication which is called factoring. This also happens to be a challenge topic many people have difficulty with. We've included hundreds of videos in this topic that cover factoring out the greatest common factor (gcf); factoring trinomials with leading coefficient of 1 or not 1 using the reverse of FOIL (what we call FLIO); special factoring formulas like the difference of two squares, perfect square trinomials, and the sum and difference of two cubes as well as factoring by grouping; a summary of factoring techniques; how to solve factorable quadratic equations and applications to real world situations.

Sections of this topic include:

1. Factoring; The Greatest Common Factor

   We begin our study of factoring by learning the first skill, factoring out greatest common factors (known as the GCF). Groups in this section include factoring numbers into prime numbers; finding greatest common factors; determining what is left after the GCF has been factored out; factoring out the greatest common factor; factoring out the greatest common factor that contain variable powers.

2. Factoring Trinomials with Leading Coefficient of 1

   A very common skill is to factor trinomials. This first section explores how to factor trinomials of leading coefficient of 1. Groups in this section include completing a partially factored trinomial; factoring a trinomail using FLIO or by Grouping; and finding a middle term.

3. Factoring Trinomials with Leading Coefficient of Not 1

   A stronger skill in factoring trinomials is to factor trinomaisl with leading coefficients that are not 1. Groups in this section include factoring trinomails using FLIO; factoring polynomials by first factoring outhe GCF then using FLIO.

4. Special Factors; Factoring by Grouping

   Many times, patterns appear in factoring that require using factoring formulas. This group includes factoring difference of two squares and perfect square trinomials; factor by grouping; factoring the sum or difference of two cubes; factoring harder difference of two squares.

5. A Summary of Factoring

   With a strong foundation of factoring techniques now, we explore random problems of factoring. This section includes the group a summary of factoring.

6. Solving Factorable Quadratic Equations

   One application of factoring is solving quadratic equations using factoring and the zero product property. Groups in this section include solving factored equations; and solving equations by factoring.

7. More Applications

   In this section, we explore how to apply factoring and solving equations using factoring to real world scenarios.