MATHEMATICS 8 QUARTER 1 Week 1

Competency
The learner factors completely different types of polynomials (polynomials with common monomial factor, difference
of two squares, sum and difference of two cubes, perfect square trinomial, and general trinomials). M8AL-Ia-b-1

Expectations

This module was designed to help you factor polynomials. As you go over the activities, you will have mastery of
the different types of factoring such as Greatest Common Monomial Factor, Difference of Two Squares, Sum and Difference
of Two Cubes, Perfect Square Trinomial, Factoring by Grouping and other types of factoring.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. Enumerate the different types of factoring;
2. Differentiate one type of factoring from another type;
3. Distinguish factorable expressions; and
4. Factor polynomials completely.

Pre-Test

Read and analyze each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

____1. Which of the following are the factors of 21x2 + 7x?

A. 2x(7+21x) B. 7(x+3) C. 7𝑥(3𝑥 + 1) D. 7𝑥(3𝑥 − 1)

____2. Let A: 16x2 – 81; B: (4x – 9)(4x + 9). If x = 4, which statement is true about the given expressions?
A. A >B B. A <B C. A = B D. can not be determined
2 2
____3. The area of a rectangle is represented by 49x - 121y . Find an expression that represents its length and width.
A. (7 x - 11y )(7 x - 11y ) B. (7x + 11y)(7x - 11y)
C. (7 x + 11y )(7 x + 11y ) D. (7x + 11y )(7x + 11y )
2 2

9𝑥 8
____4. In the expression 𝑦 14
− 4𝑥 6 , what type of factoring is most appropriate to use?
a. Factoring by Grouping
b. Perfect Square Trinomial
c. Difference of Two Squares
d. Sum and Difference of Two Cubes

____5. What is the sum of the factors of 3x 2 - 11x - 4 ?

A. 4x - 3 B. 3x-4 C. 4x + 3 D. 4x - 5

Looking Back at Your Lesson

Let us recall the different types of special products by analyzing the formulas in Table 1.
Type 1. The square of a binomial consists of:
a. the square of the first term;
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 Square of a Binomial b. twice the product of the first and (𝑎 − 𝑏)2 = 𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏 2
second terms;
Remember that the square of a binomial is called a
c. the square of the last term.
perfect square trinomial.
Type 2. The product of the sum and difference
of the same two terms is the difference
Product of the Sum and
of the squares of the terms. (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏) = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2
Difference of the Same Two
Terms
Type 3. To find the cube of a binomial:
a. find the cube of the first and last
Cube of a Binomial Cube of a binomial in the form (𝑎 + 𝑏)3 :
terms;
b. the second term is three times the (𝑎 + 𝑏)3 = 𝑎3 + 3𝑎2 𝑏 + 3𝑎𝑏 2 + 𝑏 3
product of the square of the first term
and the second term;
c. the third term is three time the product Cube of a binomial in the form (𝑎 − 𝑏)3 :
of the first term and the square of the
second term. (𝑎 − 𝑏)3 = 𝑎3 − 3𝑎2 𝑏 + 3𝑎𝑏 2 − 𝑏 3
Table 1. Types of Special Products and Its Formulas

Introduction of the Topic

Lesson : Factoring
One of the most exciting topics that you will learn in this module is how to factor polynomials. Factoring is an
important process that helps you understand more about a given expression. Through this, you will learn how to rewrite the
polynomials in a simpler form to easily identify the solutions.

Factoring is the process of finding the factors of an expression. In factoring polynomials, we shall be adopting the
reverse process of the special product formulas.

TYPES OF FACTORING

Type 1: Greatest Common Monomial Factor

Factoring the polynomial using the greatest common monomial factor can be illustrated as:
𝒂𝒙 + 𝒂𝒚 = 𝒂(𝒙 + 𝒚)

Below are the suggested steps in finding the factors of a polynomial using the greatest common monomial factor:
Step 1. Determine the first factor by finding the greatest common monomial factor. This can be done by:
a. Finding the GCF of all the numerical coefficients;
b. Finding the GCF of the literal coefficients by looking at the least exponent that appears in each term;
c. Getting the product of (a) and (b).
(Note: The product of (a) and (b) is the Greatest Common Monomial Factor of the polynomial.)

Step 2. Determine the second factor by dividing the polynomial to the greatest common monomial factor.

Example #1: Factor : 𝟏𝟖𝒂𝟑 𝒃𝟒 𝒘 − 𝟏𝟐𝒂𝒃𝟐 .

Solution:
a. GCF of the numerical b. Variable/s with the least c. Product of (a) and (b)
coefficients exponent that appear in each [Greatest Common Monomial
term Factor]
18 = 2 ∙ 3 ∙ 3 𝑎3 𝑏 4 𝑤 = 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎2 𝑏 2 𝑏 2 𝑤
12=2 ∙ 2 ∙ 3 𝑎𝑏 2 = 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 2 6ab2
Since 2 and 3 are the Since a and 𝑏 2 are the
common factors between 18 common factors between the
and 12, thus the GCF is 6 two expressions, thus the
GCF = 𝒂𝒃𝟐 .

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 Step 2. Determine the second factor by dividing the polynomial to the greatest common monomial factor.

18𝑎3 𝑏4 𝑤 12𝑎𝑏2
6𝑎𝑏2
− 6𝑎𝑏2 = 3𝑎2 𝑏 2 𝑤– 2
(Note: Please don’t forget to apply the laws of exponents in dividing the literal
coefficients.)

Thus, 6ab2(3a2 b2w-2) is the factored form of the polynomial, 18𝑎3 𝑏4 𝑤 − 12𝑎𝑏2 .

Let’s Check It Out!

To check whether the answer is correct, multiply the factors.

6ab2 (3a2 b2w-2) = 18𝑎3 𝑏 4 𝑤 − 12𝑎𝑏 2

Since the product is the same as the original polynomial, then our factors are correct.

Example #2: Factor 𝟑𝟓𝒙𝟓 𝒃𝟑 − 𝟐𝟏𝒙𝟐 𝒃𝟕 − 𝟏𝟒𝒙𝟔 𝑏 9

Solution:
Step 1. Determine the first factor using greatest common monomial factor:
a. GCF of the numerical b. Variable/s with the least c. Product of (a) and (b)
coefficients exponent that appears in each [Greatest Common Monomial
term Factor]
35 = 5 x 7 𝒙𝟓 𝒃𝟑 = 𝑥 2 𝑥 3 𝑏3
21 = 3 x 7 𝑥 𝑏 = 𝑥 2 𝑏 3 𝑏4
2 7 7x2b3
7 =1x7 𝒙𝟔 𝑏 9 = 𝑥 2 𝑥 2 𝑥 2 𝑏3 𝑏 6
GCF = 7 GCF = x2b3

Step 2. Determine the second factor by dividing the polynomial to the greatest common monomial factor.

35𝑥 5 𝑏3 21𝑥 2 𝑏7 14𝑥 6 𝑏 9

− − = 𝟓𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒃𝟒 − 𝟐𝒙𝟒 𝒃𝟔
7𝑥 2 𝑏3 7𝑥 2 𝑏 3 7𝑥 2 𝑏3

Thus,7x2b3(𝟓𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒃𝟒 − 𝟐𝒙𝟒 𝒃𝟔 ) is the factored form of the polynomial expression𝟏𝟖𝒂𝟑 𝒃𝟒 𝒘 − 𝟏𝟐𝒂𝒃𝟐 − 𝟏𝟒𝒙𝟔 𝒃𝟗 .

Let’s Check It Out!

7x2b3(𝟓𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒃𝟒 − 𝟐𝒙𝟒 𝒃𝟔 ) = 𝟑𝟓𝒙𝟓 𝒃𝟑 − 𝟐𝟏𝒙𝟐 𝒃𝟕 − 𝟏𝟒𝒙𝟔 𝒃𝟗

Since the product is the same as the original polynomial, so the factors are correct!

Type 2. Difference of Two Squares

Factoring polynomials using the difference of two squares can be illustrated as:

𝒙𝟐 − 𝒚𝟐 = (𝒙 + 𝒚)(𝒙 − 𝒚)
The factored form of a polynomial which is the difference of two squares is the sum and difference of the square
roots of the terms.

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Example #1: Factor : 𝒃𝟒 − 𝒄𝟒

Solution : Find the square root of each term.

The square root of b4 is b2 and the square root of c4 is c2.
Therefore, 𝑏 4 − 𝑐 4 = (𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 )(𝑏 2 − 𝑐 2 )
Thus, (𝒃𝟐 + 𝒄𝟐 )(𝒃𝟐 − 𝒄𝟐 )is the factored form of 𝒃𝟒 − 𝒄𝟒

Let’s Check It Out!

We can check our factors by using the FOIL Method.

(𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 )(𝑏2 − 𝑐 2 ) = 𝑏 4 − 𝑏 2 𝑐 2 + 𝑏 2 𝑐 2 − 𝑐 4 = 𝑏 4 − 𝑐 4

Example #2: Factor a2b4 – 81

Solution : Find the square root of each term.

The square root of a2b4 is ab2 and the square root of 81 is9.
Therefore, a2 b4 – 81 = (ab2 + 9) (ab2 – 9)
Thus, (ab2 + 9) (ab2 – 9 )is the factored form of a2b4 – 81.

Let’s Check It Out!

(ab2 + 9) (ab2 – 9) = a2b4 –9𝒂𝒃𝟐 + 𝟗𝒂𝒃𝟐 − 81= a2b4 – 81

Since the product is the same as the original polynomial, then our factors are correct!

Type 3. Sum and Difference of Two Cubes

Factoring polynomials using the sum and difference of two cubes can be illustrated as:

x3 + y3 = (x + y) ( x2 – xy + y2 )
S O AP
x - y = (x - y) ( x + xy + y2 )
3 3 2

S O AP
Please remember SOAP which stands for Same sign, Opposite sign, Always Positive)

To factor a polynomial using the sum and difference of two cubes, we need to do the following:
Step 1: Determine the first factor by identifying the cube root of each term;
Step 2: Determine the second factor by:
a. Squaring the first term of the first factor;
b. Getting the product of the first factor, and take its additive inverse;
c. Squaring the last term of the first factor.

Example #1: Factor x3+ 8

Solution : The cube root of x3 is x and the cube root of 8 is 2. Thus, the first factor is (x + 2)

To find the second factor:

a. Squaring the first term of the first factor : 𝑥 2

b. Getting the product of the first factor : 𝑥 ∙ 2 = 2𝑥 and take its additive inverse ∶ −2𝑥
c. Squaring the last term of the first factor : 22 = 4

Thus the second factor is : (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 4)

So, x3 + 8 = (x + 2) (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 4 )
Thus, (x + 2) (𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟒 ) is the factored form of x3 + 8.

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 Let’s Check It Out!

(x + 2) (𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 4 ) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 8 = 𝑥 3 + 8

Since the product is the same as the original polynomial, so our factors are correct.

𝟏
Example #2: Factor 125a3 + 𝟔𝟒𝒃3
𝟏 1 𝟏
Solution : The cube root of 125a3 is 5a and the cube root of 𝟔𝟒𝒃3 is 4𝑏 . Thus the first factor is (𝟓𝒂 + 𝟒𝒃)
𝟏 1 5𝑎 𝟏
125a3 + 𝟔𝟒𝒃3 = ( 5a + 4𝑏) (25𝑎2 − 4𝑏 + 𝟏𝟔𝒃2 )
1 5𝑎 𝟏 1
Thus, ( 5a + ) (25𝑎2 − + 2 ) is the factored form of125a3 + 3.
4𝑏 4𝑏 𝟏𝟔𝒃 64𝑏

Let’s Check It Out!

1 5𝑎 𝟏 𝟐𝟓𝒂𝟐 𝟓𝒂 𝟐𝟓𝒂𝟐 𝟓𝒂 𝟏
( 5a + 4𝑏) (25𝑎2 – 4𝑏
+ 𝟏𝟔𝒃2 ) = 125a3− 𝟒𝒃
+ 𝟏𝟔𝒃𝟐 + 𝟒𝒃
+ − 𝟏𝟔𝒃𝟐 + + 𝟔𝟒𝒃3

1
= 125𝑎3 + 64𝑏3

Type 4. Perfect Square Trinomial

Factoring a perfect square trinomial can be illustrated as:
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 − 𝑦)2
This is the reverse process of the square of a binomial. To determine whether the polynomial is a perfect square
trinomial, examine the terms:
1. The first and last terms should be perfect squares.
2. The middle term is the product of the square root of the first and last terms.

To find the factor of a perfect square trinomial, follow the technique below :
1. Get the square root of the first term.
2. Get the square root of the last term.
3. The sign in between the terms is of the same sign as the middle term.

Example #1: Factor r2 + 16r + 64

Solution: This is a perfect square trinomial since the first and last terms are perfect squares, then the middle
term is the square root of 𝑟 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 64.

• the first term of the factor is the square root of r2 which is r, and
• the second term of its factor is the square root of 64, which is 8.
Thus, ( r + 8)2is the factored form of r2 + 16r + 64.

Let’s Check It Out!

We can check whether the factors are correct by using the FOIL Method.

(r + 8)2 =(r + 8) (r + 8)

= r2 +8r + 8r +64
= r2 + 16r +64

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 Example #2: Factor 75a3+ 30a2 + 3a

Solution : In this case, you noticed that there is a common monomial factor of all terms, therefore, in order to
get the factors, you need to use first the greatest common monomial factor.
a. GCF : 3a
b. To find the second factor : 75a3+ 30a2 + 3a
3a 3a 3a

= 25a2 + 10a+1
2
c. Factored form: 3a( 25a + 10a + 1)

Since the second factor is a perfect square trinomial, so to find its factor, get the square roots of the first and
last terms.
The square root of the first term 25a2 is 5a and square root of last term 1 is 1.

Thus, 3a(5a+ 1)2 is the factored form of 75a3 + 30a2 + 3a.

Let’s Check It Out!

3a(5a+1)2= 3a (25a2 + 10a + 1)

= 75a3 + 30a2 + 3a
Since the product is the same as the original polynomial, thus the factors are correct.

Type 5. Other Trinomials

This type is subject to trial and error method because the sum of the products of the means and the extremes of the
factors should be equal to the middle term of the given polynomial. This can be illustrated as:
x2+(𝒂 + 𝒃)𝒙 + 𝒂𝒃 = (𝒙 + 𝒂)(𝒙 + 𝒃)

To factor a trinomial with 1 as the numerical coefficient of the leading term, we need to do the following:
Step 1: The first term of the factor is the square root of the first term of a trinomial.
Step 2 : Then, list down all the factors of the last term;
Step 3: Identify which pair of factors will give a sum which is equal to the middle term;

Example #1: Factor q2 + 5q + 6

The square root of 𝑞 2 𝑖𝑠 𝑞. So q is the first term of the factors.

Then, you need to look for two numbers whose product is 6 and whose sum is 5.
Step 1: Possible factors of 6: Step 2: Pair of factors of 6 whose sum is 5:
2 and 3 2+3=5
6 and 1 6+1=7
-2 and -3 (-2) + (-3) = -5
-2 and -3 (-6) + (-1) = -7

The pair of factors of 6 whose sum is 5 are 2 and 3.

Thus, (q + 2)(q + 3) is the factored form of q2 + 5q + 6.

Let’s Check It Out!

We can check our factors by using the FOIL Method

( q + 2) ( q + 3 ) = q2 + 3q + 2q + 6.
= q2 + 5q + 6
Since the product is the same as the original polynomial, then our factors are correct!

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 Example #2: Factor 8b2 + 17b + 2

Solution:
8𝑏 2 + 17𝑏 + 2

16𝑏 2 product of the first and last terms

16𝑏 ∙ 𝑏 factors of 16𝑏 2 whose sum is 17b

(8𝑏 2 + 16𝑏) + (𝑏 + 2)
8𝑏(𝑏 + 2) + 1(b + 2) get the factor using the greatest common monomial factor
The common factor is (b + 2), the other factor is (8b + 1)
(8𝑏 + 1)(𝑏 + 2) the factored form of 8b2 + 17b + 2

Thus, (8b + 1) (b + 2)is the factored form of 8b2 + 17b + 2.

Let’s Check It Out!

(8b + 1) (b + 2)= 8b2+16b +b + 2

= 8b2 + 17b + 2
Since the product is the same as the original polynomial, then our factors are correct!

Example #3: Find the factors of 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏𝟑𝒙 + 𝟕

6𝑥 2 + 13𝑥 + 7

42𝑥 2 product of the first and last terms

6𝑥 ∙ 7𝑥 factors of 42𝑥 2 whose sum is 13x

(6𝑥 2 + 6𝑥) + (7𝑥 + 7)

6𝑥(𝑥 + 1) + 7(x + 1) get the factor using the greatest common monomial factor
The common factor is (x + 1), the other factor is (6x + 7)
(6𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 + 1) the factored form of 6x2 + 13x + 7

Thus, (6𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 + 1) is the factored form of 6x2 + 13x + 7.

Type 6. Factoring by Grouping

Factoring by grouping can be used extensively for polynomial expressions consisting of at least four terms.
Combination of all types of factoring can be used in this case.
Example #1: Factor 3z2 + 6z + z + 2
Solution : Group the terms with a common monomial factor.
3z2 + 6z + z + 2 = (3z2 + 6z) + (z + 2)
= 3z ( z+ 2) + (z + 2) Get the factor of each group.
= ( z + 2 ) (3z + 1) Factor out the common binomial.
Thus,( z + 2 ) (3z + 1) is the factored form of 3z2 + 6z + z + 2.
Let’s Check It Out!

( z + 2 ) (3z + 1) = 3z2+ z +6z + 2

= 3z2 + 6z + z + 2
Since the product is the same as the original polynomial, then the factors are correct.

Example #2: Factor 18mn + 6me + 24 in + 8ie

Solution : Group the terms with a common monomial factor.
18mn + 6me + 24 in + 8ie = (18mn + 6me) +(24in + 8ie)
= 6m(3n + e)+ 8i (3n + e ) Get the factor each group.
= (3n + e)(6m +8i) Factor out the common binomial.
= (3𝑛 + 𝑒)2(3𝑚 + 4𝑖) Factoring further
Thus, 2(3n + e) (3m + 4i) is the factored form of 18mn2 + 6me + 24 in + 8ie.

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Let’s Check It Out!

2(3n + e) (3m + 4i )= 2(9mn+ 12in +3me + 4ie )

= 18mn + 24in + 6me + 8ie
= 18mn + 6me + 24in + 8ie
Since the product is the same as the original polynomial, so our factors are correct!

Activities

Activity 1. Supply Me!

Can you still recall how to find the factors of a polynomial using the Common Monomial Factor? Supply the
missing answers.
Common Monomial Factor Factored Form
1. 3a − a =2 a a ( __ – a)
2.6a2b2 – 15a5b ___ ___(2b – 5a3)
3. 60 x 2 − 70 x 4 10x2 10x2(6 – __)
4. 6 x 4 − 15 x 3 + 21x 2 ___ __ (2x2 – 5x + 7)
5. 10a 2 b 3 c 4 − 15a 5 b 2 c 4 + 30a 3b 3 c 2 5a2b2c2 5a2b2c2 ( 2bc2 – ____ + 6ab)

Activity 2. Group It!

Factor the following polynomials by grouping the terms. Show your solution with checking.
1. ar + br + at + bt
2. x(a - 3) + y (3 - a)
3. ab2 - bc2 - ab + c2
4. 6ab - b2 + 12ac - 2bc
5. 9m2 + 30mn + 25n2 + 12m + 20n - 12

Remember

1. If there is a common factor, factor out the GCF first which is in the form: ax + ay = a(x + y)
2. If it is a binomial, it can be factored by:
a.Difference of two squares, in the form of x2 – y2 = (x + y)(x – y)
b.Sum and difference of two cubes in the form of : x3 + y3 = (x + y) ( x2 – xy + y2 ) and x3 - y3 = (x - y) ( x2+ xy + y2 )
3. If it is a perfect square trinomial, it can be factored in the form of :
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 − 𝑦)2

4. If it is a not a perfect square trinomial, use the trial and error by grouping.
5. If the polynomial expression contains four or more terms, factor it by grouping.

Check Your Understanding

By inspection, identify the types of factoring you will use to find the factors of the polynomial expressions below,
then, factor them completely.
Polynomial Expressions Type of Factoring to be Used Factors
1. 12 x − 18 x
4

2.x2 + 7x – 78
3.y2 – 8y + 16
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 4.x2 – 100
5. x3 - 3x2 + x – 3

Post-Test

Read and analyze each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

____1. Which of the following are the factors of 21x2 + 7x?

B. 2x(7+21x) B. 7(x+3) C. 7𝑥(3𝑥 + 1) D. 7𝑥(3𝑥 − 1)

____2. Let A: 16x2 – 81; B: (4x – 9)(4x + 9). If x = 4, which statement is true about the given expressions?
A. A >B B. A <B C. A = B D. can not be determined
2 2
____3. The area of a rectangle is represented by 49x - 121y . Find an expression that represents its length and width.
A. (7 x - 11y )(7 x - 11y ) B. (7x + 11y)(7x - 11y)
C. (7 x + 11y )(7 x + 11y ) D. (7x + 11y )(7x + 11y )
2 2

9𝑥 8
____4. In the expression 𝑦 14
− 4𝑥 6 , what type of factoring is most appropriate to use?
e. Factoring by Grouping
f. Perfect Square Trinomial
g. Difference of Two Squares
h. Sum and Difference of Two Cubes

____5. What is the sum of the factors of 3x 2 - 11x - 4 ?

A. 4x - 3 B. 3x-4 C. 4x + 3 D. 4x - 5

Reflection

After having fun learning the different types of factoring, it is now time for you to reflect about the things
that still confuse you and the things that you learned in this module by completing the phrases below. Happy writing!

The type of factoring that I still find confusing is

I have learned that ______________________ ___________________________________________because
_____________________________________ ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________. ___. I will __________________________ to understand it
better.

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 MATHEMATICS 4
Quarter 1 Week 1
ANSWER SHEET

Name: Math Teacher:

Section: Score:

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