Question

Can anyone explain how to factor polynomials completely? I don't really get it...

Answer 1

Second degree polynomial (quadratic) or polynomials in general?

Answer 2

Polynomials in general likkkkee 10x^2-9y+20y^5 or something

Answer 3

The above polynomial is not factorable. But if you have a few specific polynomials that are factorable we can attempt to factor it.

Answer 4

Ummm okay what about 3x^5+9x^3+12x

Answer 5

Here there are 3 terms. All of them have numbers. All of them have "x".
Try to find the greatest common factor. Treat the constants separately and the "x" separately. What is the GCF of: 3, 9, 12? What is the GCF of: x^5, x^3, x ?

Answer 6

What is the GCF of: 3, 9, 12?
Each number is divisible by 3. There is no other higher number that divides evenly into all three numbers. So 3 is the greatest common factor (GCF).

What is the GCF of: x^5, x^3, x ?
x is common to all three. There is no other higher power of x that is common to all three. Therefore, x is the GCF.

So 3x is the GCF of 3x^5+9x^3+12x
Factor out 3x.
3x^5+9x^3+12x = 3x( ...... )
What should be inside the parenthesis?
Divide 3x^5 by 3x
Divide 9x^3 by 3x
Divide 12x by 3x
Put the results within the parenthesis.

Answer 7

Okay! That makes sense now, Thanks!

Answer 8

You are welcome.