SPECIAL P R O D U C T S

AND F A CT OR IN G
HEMA TICS 8 - C HAPT ER 1
MAT
 1.1. POLYNOMIALS
1.2. PRODUCT WITH MONOMIALS
1.3. PRODUCTS OF TWO OR MORE POLYNOMIALS
1.4. DIVISION BY MONOMIAL
1.5. DIVISION OF POLYNOMIALS BY ANOTHER
POLYNOMIAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.6. SPECIAL PRODUCTS
1.7. FACTORING POLYNOMIALS
1.8. DIFFERENCE OF TWO SQUARES
1.9. SUM AND DIFFERENCE OF TWO CUBES
1.10. FACTORING PERFECT SQUARE TRINOMIALS
1.11. FACTORING QUADRATIC TRINOMIAL
1.12. FACTORING TRINOMIALS
 DEFINITION

Rewriting a polynomial as a product of polynomial factors is called factoring polynomials.

Standard Form Factored Form

Example:

DEFINITION

For the first example, the Greatest Common Factor is x.

For the second example, the Greatest Common Factor is 2x.
For the third example, the Greatest Common Factor is 3x.

1.7. FACTORING POLYNOMIALS

 DEFINITION
 Factoring and GCF

Factoring is finding two or more factors of a number of polynomial.

The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of two or more monomials is the common factor having the
greatest numerical factor and with variables having the least degree. Thus, the term is the GCF of a
polynomial if :
1. a is the greatest integer that divides each of the coefficients of the polynomials, and
2. n is the smallest exponent of x in all the terms of the polynomial.

Example: Find the GCF of each pair of monomials.

 a. 12a and 36 ab  b. -8

Write the factors of 12a: ( Write the factors of -8: (-1)(

Write the factors of 36ab:(* Write the factors of :(
The GCF of 12 a and 36ab is ( or 12a. The GCF of 12 a and 36ab is ( or 8x.

1.7. FACTORING POLYNOMIALS

 Example 1. Factor completely. -55x
 Write the factor of each term:

Write the factors of : ()

Write the factors of 55x :(5)(11)(x)()

The GCF is (or 5x .

The factored form is 5x (5x-11).
 Example 2. Factor completely. -
 Write the factor of each term:

Write the factors of : ()

Write the factors of 16:()()
Write the factors of :(*5)()

The GCF is () )() or 4

The factored form is 4 (3 -4a+5 ).

1.7. FACTORING POLYNOMIALS

EXAMPLE 3. Factor completely. 5a (a+3)-c(a+3)

The binomial (a+3) is common to both terms.

Factor.

Factored form is (a+3)(5a-c).

EXAMPLE 4. Factor completely. 6 (3b-1) +5a(1-3b)+4c(3b-1)

Use the fact that 1-3b = -1(3b-1)

Then the second term would be change from 5a(1-3b) to -5a(3b-1)

The new working equation is 6 (3b-1) -5a(3b+1)+4c(3b-1)

The binomial 3b-1 is common to all terms.

Factored form is (3b-1)(6-5a+4c).

1.7. Factoring Polynomials

 Example 4. Simplify the rational expression using factorization and GCF.

 Factor the numerator and the denominator.

.=

Write a product, one factor containing the GCF of the numerator and denominator and the other containing
the remaining factors.

Rewrite the GCF as 1.

1*
The remaining expression will just be .

1.7. Factoring Polynomials

 Example 5. Simplify the rational expression using factorization and GCF

 Factor the numerator and the denominator.

Write a product, one factor containing the GCF of the numerator and denominator and the other containing
the remaining factors.

Rewrite the GCF as 1.

1*
The remaining expression will just be .

1.7. Factoring Polynomials

 Example 6. Simplify the rational expression using factorization and GCF

 Factor the numerator and the denominator.

Write a product, one factor containing the GCF of the numerator and denominator and the other containing
the remaining factors.

Rewrite the GCF as 1.

1*y

The remaining expression will just be y.

1.7. Factoring Polynomials

 DEFINITION
For a binomial to be a difference of two squares, two conditions must hold.
1. There must be two terms that are both squares.
2. There must be a minus sign in between the two terms.

DEFINITION
 
If x and y are real numbers, variables, or algebraic expressions, then

In words: The difference of the squares of two terms is the product of the sum and difference of those terms.

Note: For a variable to be a perfect square, it must be raised to an even power.

1.8 DIFFERENCE OF TWO SQUARES

 EXAMPLE 1. Factor completely.

  = =(9+

 EXAMPLE 2. Factor completely. 128

 
Factor out 8, the GCF. 128 =
Express the second factor as difference of two squares =

 EXAMPLE 3. Factor completely.

 )(25- )

After you have factored a difference of two squares, you can sometimes continue factoring. Factoring completely means
you have to factor until factoring is no longer possible. In this case, the second factor still meet the conditions for difference
of two squares so we will continue factoring.
)(25- )= )[(5- )(5+

1.8 Difference of Two Squares

EXAMPLE 4. Write a polynomial for the area of the colored region, then factor completely.

 Solution:

Find the area of the larger rectangle.

A = length*width = (7x)(x)=7 44 x

Find the area of the smaller rectangle. 7

A=length*width=7*4=28
7x
Subtract the area of the smaller rectangle from the area of the larger region to find the area of the shaded
region.

Factor:

7)-7(4)
=7(-4)= 7(x+2)(x-2)

1.8 Difference of Two Squares

 DEFINITION
  Let x and y be real numbers, variables, or algebraic expressions, then

Factoring Sum of Two Cubes

Factoring Difference of Two Cubes

 
These are the cubes of numbers from  Example:
1 to 10.
 

1.9 SUM AND DIFFERENCE OF TWO CUBES

 Example 1.Factor each completely.

 Using the Power Rule of Exponents, the given can be written as .

Factor the difference of two cubes.

 Example 2.Factor each completely.

 Factor out the GCF, -2

=
Factor the difference of two cubes.

1.9 SUM AND DIFFERENCE OF TWO CUBES

 Example 3.Factor each completely.
 
Factor the difference of two cubes.  Let’s show that 16 is equal to (4-2p+)(4+2p+)

(16 Using vertical multiplication

The first factor is a difference of two squares so we will

  4-2p+
still continue factoring.
* 4+2p+
 
(2+p)(2-p) (16
𝑝 − 4 𝑝 2+ 22 𝑝3
 8
 16 − 8 𝑝 + 4 𝑝
Another possible factorization process is factoring the
difference of two squares first.   16 + 4 𝑝 2 + 𝑝 4
)(8+
Factor the sum and difference of two cubes.
)(8+

= (2-p)(4+2p+

1.9 SUM AND DIFFERENCE OF TWO CUBES

 RULES
  The following will help you recognize a perfect square trinomial:

1. Two of the terms must be perfect squares Example:

2. There must be no minus signs before the perfect squares.
3. If you multiply the x and y and double it, you get the third term 2xy or its negative.

 For example,

4 +20x+25 is a perfect squares because  

Which of the following
is/are perfect trinomial?
1. There are two terms that are perfect squares 4 and 25 which is a square
of 5 1. +8x+16
2. Both the squares are positive 2. 4
3. If we multiply 5 and 2x then double it, it is equal to the middle term 20x. 3. +5x+6
2(5)(2x)=20x
Therefore, 4 +20x+25 is a perfect square trinomial.

1.10. FACTORING PERFECT SQUARE TRINOMIAL

 RULES
 
Perfect square trinomial = factored form

 Factor each completely:

a. 9
b. 25

c. 16
d. 1-18m+81

1.10. FACTORING PERFECT SQUARE TRINOMIAL

 Example 1.Factor each completely. 3 +27x

 
Factor out GCF, 3x
3 +27x= 3x(-6x+9)
Factor out the perfect square trinomial.
3x(-6x+9)
3x(x-3

 Example 2. Find the length of a side of a square if its area is 4 +12x+9 square units.

 Area of a square POSTSCRIPT!

A=
Replace A by 4 +12x+9 NEVER FORGET TO INDICATE
4 +12x+9=
Factor THE UNITS IN ALL OF YOUR
(2x+3)= ANSWERS. If it is not indicated in
Simplify the problem, just write units or
s=2x+3 square units or cubic units
The side of the square is 2x+3 units. depending on what is required.

1.10. FACTORING PERFECT SQUARE TRINOMIAL

  the quadratic expression is of the form where the coefficient of the squared term is 1 and the constant is not a
If
perfect square, the trinomial cannot be factored into a square of a binomial. However, it is possible to be factored
into a product of two different binomials.

RULES
 Factoring

1. List all pairs of integers whose product is c.

2. Choose a pair, m and n, whose sum is b, that is, m+n=b.
3. The factorization of
=(x+m)(x+n)
4. If there are no such integers m and n such that m+n=b, the trinomial cannot be factored and is called
prime.

 A table is helpful when factoring a trinomial of the form

1.11. FACTORING QUADRATIC TRINOMIAL

 Example 1.Factor each completely.

 The first term of each factor is x.

Look for two numbers whose product is 16 and whose sum is 10.

Factors Sum
of 16

1, 16 17
2,8 10 The numbers we need are 2 and 8.
4,4 8

1. 11. FACTORING QUADRATIC TRINOMIAL

 Example 2.Factor each completely.

 The coefficient of the middle term is negative. You need two negative numbers whose product is 18 and whose sum is -9.

Factors Sum
of 18

-1, -18 -19

-2, -9 -11
-3,-6 -9 The numbers we need are -3 and -6.

1. 11. FACTORING QUADRATIC TRINOMIAL

 Example 2.Factor each completely.

The coefficient of the middle term is negative. You need two numbers whose product is -24 and whose sum is -2.

Factors Sum
of -24
1, -24 -23
 = (x+4)(x-6)
-1,24 23
2,-12 -10
-2,12 10
3,-8 -5
-3,8 5
4,-6 -2
The numbers we need are 4 and -6.
6,-4 2

1. 11. FACTORING QUADRATIC TRINOMIAL

 Example 3.Factor each completely.

You need two numbers whose product is 3 and whose sum is 3.

Factors Sum
of 3
1, 3 4
-1,-3 -4

Since two integers whose product is 3 and whose sum is 3 do not exist, the given quadratic trinomial cannot be factored.
It is a prime trinomial.

1. 11. FACTORING QUADRATIC TRINOMIAL

Example 4. An interior decorator is buying wallpaper for two square walls. One wall is 4 feet wider than the other. If
she  needs 170 square feet of wallpaper, what are the dimensions of the wall?
Sketch the walls.

x Let x = the length of the smaller square

x+4 Then x+4=the length of the larger square.
x
x+4
Area of smaller square + Area of the larger square = 170 Since the length is positive , we take
+ (x+4 =170 7 as the value of x, hence the length
of the side of the smaller square. The
Solve for x.   length of the larger square is x+4 or
Square the binomial. 11 feet.
Combine like terms.
Divide each term by 2. The length of the smaller square is 7
Factor. ft while the length of the larger
Equate each factor to 0. square is 11 ft.
Solve for x.

1. 11. FACTORING QUADRATIC TRINOMIAL

 RULES
 
Points to Remember in Factoring

1. If the terms of a trinomial do not have a common factor, then the terms of a binomial factor cannot have a
common factor.
2. If the constant term of a trinomial is
a. positive, the constant terms of the binomials have the same signs as the coefficients of x in the
trinomial.
b. negative, the constant terms of the binomials have the opposite signs.

This process would involve the trial-and-error method.

 
1.12. FACTORING TRINOMIAL A
 Example 1.Factor each completely.
First, look for a factor common to all terms. No such factor exists. The constant term, c, of the trinomial is negative (-10),
so the constant terms of the binomial factors will have opposite signs.

Find the factors of 3 and -10. Write trial factors and use the Outer and Inner Products of FOIL to
check the middle term.
Factors Factors Trial Factors Middle Term
of 3 of -10
(x+1)(3x-10) -10x+3x-=-7x
1, 3 1, -10
10,-1 (x-1)(3x+10) 10x-3x=7x
2,-5
5,-2
(x+2)(3x-5) -5x+6x=x
(x-2)(3x+5) 5x-6x=-x
  From the list of trial factors, the correct (3x+1)(x-10) -30x+x=-29x
factored form is (3x-1)(x+10) 30x-x=29x
= (x-2)(3x+5) (3x+2)(x-5) -15x+2x=-13x
(3x-2)(x+5) 15x-2x=13x

 
1.12. FACTORING TRINOMIAL A
 Example 2.Factor each completely.
 The GCF of is x. Factor out x.

Factor the trinomial . Trial Factors Middle Term

Factors Factors (x+1)(14x-3) -3x+14x=11x
of 14 of -3
(x-1)(14x+3) 3x-14x=-11x
14, 1 1,-3 (2x+1)(7x-3) -6x+7x=x
2,7 -1,3 (2x-1)(7x+3) 6x-7x=-x
(14x+1)(x-3) -42x+x=-41x
Write trial factors and use the Outer and Inner (14x-1)(x+3) 42x-x=41x
Products of FOIL to check the middle term. (7x+1)(2x-3) -21x+2x=-19x
(7x-1)(2x+3) 21x-2x=19x

  From the list of trial factors, the correct

factored form is
= x(7x+1)(2x+3)

 
1.12. FACTORING TRINOMIAL A
 RULES
 Factoring By Grouping

1. Find ac.
2. Find the factors of ac whose sum is b.
3. Rewrite the middle term (bx) as a sum or difference using the factors in Step 2.
4. Factor by grouping.

 Example. Factor using the ac-product or factoring by grouping method.

Factors of 56 Sum
1, 56 57
2, 28 30
4,14 18
Find ac: (2)(28)=56 7,8 15
Find Factors of 56 whose sum is 15.
Express the middle term as the sum of factors in Step 2.

Factor by grouping =2x(x+4)+7(x+4)

Factor out the common binomial. =

 
1.12. FACTORING TRINOMIAL A
 RULES
Factoring by Grouping

1. Group the terms that have a common monomial factor. There will usually be two terms.
Sometimes the terms must be rearranged.
2. Factor out the common monomial factor from each group.
3. Factor out the remaining binomial factor, if there exists.
.

 Example:
 
b.
=) =
=) = (Factor out the perfect square trinomial)
= =
=

 
1.12. FACTORING TRINOMIAL A
 SUMMARY OF THE GENERAL RULES FOR FACTORING POLYNOMIALS
 Factoring a Polynomial Over the Integers

1. Is there a common factor? If so, factor out the GCF.

2. Is the polynomial a binomial? If so, can it be factored by any one of the following forms?
Difference of two squares:
Sum of two cubes:
Difference of two cubes:
3. Is the polynomial a trinomial? If it is a perfect square trinomial, use any of the following forms:

4. Does the polynomial contain four or more terms? If so, try to factor by grouping.

 
1.12. FACTORING TRINOMIAL A
 EXAMPLE 1. Factor completely.
The Greatest Common Factor is 15x. Factor it out.  

Factor out using the Difference of Two Square pattern.

Have we factored completely?

Yes, no factor can be factored further.

 EXAMPLE 2. Factor completely. 9

 
The first term and the last term are perfect squares, but the middle
term does not make it a perfect square trinomial.
 
Hence, we can change -34 = -30, here we can have a perfect square
trinomial but not changing the value of the given expression.
Regroup to get the perfect square trinomial.
Factor out the Difference of Two Squares