| WHAT TO DO: |
HOW TO DO IT:
|
| Look at the polynomial's 4 terms to see if
they can be grouped two terms by two terms.
Bring down the middle sign.
|
x2 + 7x + 2x + 14
x2 + 7x + 2x + 14 |
| Find the common factor for each group.
The factors in parentheses are the same for both
groups. |
x(x + 7) + 2(x +7)
|
| Now, the common factor in each group is (x + 7).
Underline it. |
x(x + 7) + 2(x + 7) |
| Factor out the common factor |
(x + 7)(x +2) Answer |
| ⇒ Check by multiplying back out by
FOIL method.
First - Outer - Inner - Last
Note O-I terms.
|
 |
| Try another:
|
3x2 - 9x + 2x - 6 |
| Group 2 × 2: |
3x2 − 9x +
2x − 6 |
| Factor common factors |
3x(x − 3) + 2(x - 3) |
| Factor common terms in (
... ) |
(x − 3)(3x + 2) Answer |
| Check by multiplying FOIL:
|
 |
