Factoring & Expanding

Factor or expand polynomials: GCF, trinomials, difference of squares, grouping and cubic factoring, with the method named at each step. Try “factor x³ − 6x² + 11x − 6”.

Try an example:

How the Factoring & Expanding works

  1. Take out the greatest common factor first.
  2. Look for a pattern: difference of squares, perfect-square trinomial, or two numbers that multiply to c and add to b.
  3. For cubics, test small integer roots with the factor theorem, then divide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first step in factoring?

Always check for a common factor across every term and take it out.

How do I check a factorization?

Expand your answer. If you get the original expression, it is correct.

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