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Choosing a Factoring Method. To decide on a factoring method for a second-degree equation, look at the number of terms: If a polynomial has 2 terms, (binomial) A. Check whether the second term is a perfect square. If it is the difference of squares:
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To decide on a factoring method for a second-degree equation, • look at the number of terms: • If a polynomial has 2 terms, (binomial) • A. Check whether the second term is a perfect square. • If it is the difference of squares: • B. If not, factor using the distributive property: • If the polynomial has 3 terms AND: • A. The leading coefficient = 1, use F.O.I.L.
II.B. If the polynomial has 3 terms and the leading coefficient is NOT 1 A. Use a F.O.I.L. “Guess-and-Check” if it’s simple or the first AND last terms are squares B. Use RAINBOW if it can’t easily be solved using “Guess & Check”
Special Factoring Patterns: “BSOFAS” (memory aid) Binomial Square of the first term Opposite sign First term times second Always add Square of the 2nd term Sum of two Cubes: Difference of two Cubes: