Lesso

Factoring Polynomials with

n Greatest Common Factor (GCMF)
1
A. Learning Competency
- to factor completely the different types of polynomials (polynomials
with common monomial factor.

B. Discussion
Factoring is a mathematical process of finding the expressions which
when multiplied will result to the given product. Complete factorization is
having a multinomial factors prime.

A polynomial is prime when its factors are only itself and 1. It is

always necessary to check if the polynomial has a common factor among its
term. It is the greatest common factor that is to be considered when a
polynomial with a common factor takes this form ax + bx + cx = x (a + b +
c).

Factoring Polynomials with Greatest Common Monomial Factor

(GCMF)
Greatest Common Monomial Factor is the highest possible value of
a number, variable, or a combination of numbers and variables which is
common in each term of a given polynomial.
ax +bx +cx =x ( a+ b+c )

Steps in Factoring Polynomials with GCMF:

1. Find the greatest common monomial factor.
2. Divide each term in the polynomial by its GCMF.
3. Combine the answer in Steps 1 and 2 as a product.

C. Examples
1.Factor x 2+ 6 x
Step 1:Prime Factors of x 2 = x • x
Find the greatest common
Prime Factors of 6x = 3 • 2 • monomial factor.
x
GCMF = x Divide each term in the
polynomial by its GCMF.
 2
x 6x
Step 2: + =x +6
x x
Step 3: x (x +6) Combine the answer in
Steps 1 and 2 as a
product.

Therefore, x 2+ 6 x = x (x +6).

2. Factor 4m3n + 16m2n

Step 1:
Prime Factors of 4 m3 n = 2•2•m•m•m•n Find the greatest common
Prime Factors of 2
16 m n = monomial factor.

2•2•2•2•m•m•n
GCMF = 2•2•m•m•n = 4m2 n Divide each term in the
polynomial by its GCMF.
3 2
4 m n 16 m n
Step 2: 2
+ 2 = m+4
4m n 4m n

Combine the answer in

Step 3: ( 4 m2 n ) (m+4 ) Steps 1 and 2 as a product.

Therefore, 4m3n + 16m2n = ( 4 m2 n ) (m+4 )

3. Factor 9a3 - 6b4 - 3c2

Step 1:
Prime Factors of 9a3= 3•3•a•a•a Find the greatest common
Prime Factors of 6b = 3•2•b•b•b•b
4 monomial factor.
Prime Factors of 3c2= 3•c•c•
GCMF = 3
3 4 2
9a 6b 3c Divide each term in the
Step 2: − − =
3 3 3 polynomial by its GCMF.
3a3 - 2b4 – c2

Combine the answer in

Step 3: (3)( 3a3 – 2b4 – c2)
Steps 1 and 2 as a product.

Therefore, 9a3 - 6b4 - 3c2 = (3)( 3a3 – 2b4 – c2)

D. Drills
Factor the following polynomials.
1. x 2+ 20 x
2. 21 x 5−14 x 2
3. 25c 2 d 3+ 45 c d 7
4. 4 x 3 +12 y 2 +20 z 5
5. 9a 3 b 4 +15 a5 b3 −6 a2 b6

Answer: 1. x ¿) 2. ( 7 x 2 ) (3 x 3−2) 3.5 c d 3 (5 c−9 cd 4 ) 4.4 (x 4 −3 y 2−5 z5 ) 5. 3 a2 b3 (3 ab+5 a2−2b 3)

Solution:
1. x 2+ 20 x
Step 1:
Prime Factors of x 2 = x • x Find the greatest common
Prime Factors of 20 x = 2•2• 5• x monomial factor.
GCMF = x
2
x 20 x Divide each term in the polynomial
Step 2: + = x +20 by its GCMF.
x x

Combine the answer in Steps 1

Step 3: ( x ) (x +20)
and 2 as a product.

Therefore, x2 + 120x = ( x ) (x +20)

2. 21 x 5−14 x 2
Step 1:
.
Prime Factors of 21 x5 = 3•7•x•x•x•x•x Find the greatest common
Prime Factors of 14 x 2
= 2•7• x• x monomial factor.

GCMF = 7•x•x = 7x2

Divide each term in the
 5
21 x 14 x
2
polynomial by its GCMF.
Step 2: 2
+ 3
2 = 3 x +2
7x 7x

Combine the answer in Steps 1

Step 3: (7 x 2 ¿ (3 x3 +2)
and 2 as a product.
Therefore, 3x + 2 = ( 7 x 2 ) (3 x 2+ 2)
3

3. 25c 2 d 3+ 45 c d 7
Step 1: 25c 2 d 3+ 45 c d 7 Find the greatest common monomial
Prime Factors of 25 c 5 d 3 = 5.5.c.c.c.c.c.d.d.d factor.
Prime Factors of 45 c d 7 = 5.3.3.c.d.d.d.d.d.d.d
GCF = 5 c d 3

2 3
25 d d 45 cd
7
Divide each term in the polynomial
Step 2: 3
+ 7 ¿ 5 c−9 cd
4
by its GCMF.
5 cd 45 cd

Combine the answer in Steps 1

Step 3: 5 c d 3 (5 c−9 cd 4 )
and 2 as a product.

Therefore, 25c 2 d 3+ 45 c d 7= 5 c d 3 (5 c−9 cd 4 )

4. 4 x 3 +12 y 2 +20 z 5
Step 1:4 x 3 +12 y 2 +20 z 5 Find the greatest common
monomial factor.
GCF = 4
4
4 x 12 y 20 z
2 5
Divide each term in the
Step 2: + + .= x 4 −3 y 2−5 z 5
4 4 4 polynomial by its GCMF.

Combine the answer in Steps

Step 3:4 ( x 4 −3 y 2−5 z5 )
1 and 2 as a product.

Therefore, 4 x 3 +12 y 2 +20 z 5= 4 (x 4 −3 y 2−5 z5 )

4. 9a 3 b 4 +15 a5 b3 −6 a2 b6
Step1 :9a 3 b 4 +15 a5 b3 −6 a2 b6 Find the greatest
2 3 common monomial factor.
GCF=3 a b
 3 4 5 3
9 a b 15 a b 6 a b
2 6
Divide each term in the
Step: 2 3
+ 2 3
− 2 3 .¿ polynomial by its GCMF.
3a b 3a b 3a b
3ab+ 5 a2−2 b3

Step3: 3 a2 b3 (3 ab+5 a2−2b 3) Combine the answer in

Steps 1 and 2 as a
product.

Therefore, 9a 3 b 4 +15 a5 b3 −6 a2 b6 = 3 a2 b3 (3 ab+5 a2−2b 3)

Check your Understanding

SET A
Factor the following polynomials.
1. 36 x + x 2

2. 18 m2−42 m6

3. 42 x 2 y 5 +60 x y 3

4. 12 a4 −10 a3 b 4 +16 a2 b3

5. 15 c 2 d2 +24 c d 2−6 c 3 d 2
SET B
Factor the following polynomials.
1. 9 a 3+ 21a 2

2. 20 r 2−45 r

3. 3 a 4 b4 −12 a9 b2

4. 36 x 5 y 2 −24 xy 7 +32 x 5 y 4

5. 24 p5 q 8+ 28 p 3 q 2−42 p2 q5

SET C
Factor the following polynomials.
1. 12 y 2+ 30 xy 4

2. 48 r 5−72 r 3

3. 18 y 3 z 6 −81 y7 z 2
 4. −36 x 4 y 3−32 x 5 y 2 +48 x 6 y 10

5. 60 ab+ 72a 3 b−100 a b 5

Lesso
Factoring the Difference of
n
Two Squares
2
A. Learning Competency
- To factor completely the difference of two squares.

B. Discussion
The difference of two squares is a squared (multiplied by itself) subtracted
from another squared number.
Difference of Two Squares:
Let x and y be real numbers, variables, or algebraic expressions.
2 2
x − y =( x+ y)( x− y)
The difference of the squares of two terms in the product of the sum and
difference of those terms.

Steps in Factoring the Difference of Two Squares:

1. Take the square roots of the first term.
2. Take the square roots of the second term.
3. Write the product of the sum and difference of the square roots.

Illustrative Examples:

1. Factor x 2−9

First Term : x 2
Step1 : √ x 2= √ x • x=x Take the square roots of the first
term.
Last Term: 9
Step2 : √ 9= √ 3 •3=3 Take the square roots of the last
term.

Write the product of the sum and

Step3 : ( x +3 ) (x−3)
difference of the square roots.

Therefore, x2 – 9 = (x + 3)( x - 3)

2. Factor 4 x 2−25
First Term: 4 x 2
Step1 : √ 4 x 2=√ 2 x •2 x=2 x Take the square roots of the first
term.

Last Term : 25
Step2 : √ 25=√ 5 •5=5 Take the square roots of the last
term.

Step3 : ( 2 x+5 ) (2 x −5) Write the product of the sum and

difference of the square roots.

Therefore, x2 – 9 = (x + 3)( x - 3)

3. Factor 49−81 y 6
First Term: 49
Step1 : √ 49= √ 7 • 7=7 Take the square roots of the first
term.

Last Term: 81 y 6
Take the square roots of the last
Step2 : 81 y =√ 9 y • 9 y =9 y
6 3 3 3
term.

Write the product of the sum and

Step3 : ( 7+ 9 y 3 ) (7−9 y 3)
difference of the square roots.

Therefore, x2 – 9 = ( 7+ 9 y 3 ) (7−9 y 3)

Let’s Try!
Factors the following polynomials completely.
1. 49−x 2
2. 1−64 y 4
3. 4 x 4−81
 4. 36 n2 −121 x 6
5. 9 x 10−25 y 4

Solution:
1. 49 – x 2
First Term: 49
Step1 : √ 49= √ 7 • 7=7 Take the square roots of the first
term.

Last Term: x 2
Step2 : √ x =√ x • x=x
2 Take the square roots of the last
term.
Step3 : ( 7+ x ) (7−x) Write the product of the sum and
difference of the square roots.

Therefore, 49 - x2 = ( 7+ x ) (7−x)

2. 1 – 64 x 4
First Term: 1
Step1 : √1=√ 1•1=1 Take the square roots of the first
term.

Last Term: 64 x 4
Take the square roots of the first
Step2 : √ 64 x 4= √ 8 x 2 • 8 x2 term.
2
¿8 x
Write the product of the sum and
Step3 : ( 1+8 x 2 ) (1−8 x 2 ) difference of the square roots.

Therefore, 1 – 64 x 4 = ( 1+8 x 2 ) (1−8 x 2 )

First Term: 16 x 4
Take the square roots of the first
Step1 : √ 16 x 4=√ 4 x 2 •4 x2 term.
2
¿4 x
Last Term: 81
Step2 : √ 81=√ 9 •9=9 Take the square roots of the last
term.

Step3 : ( 4 x 2+ 9 ) ( 4 x 2−9) Write the product of the sum and

difference of the square roots.
3. 16 x 4 −81
Therefore, 16 x 4 −81 = ( 4 x 2+ 9 ) ( 4 x 2−9)

4. 36 n2 −121n 6

First Term: 36n2

Step1 : √ 36 m2 =√ 6 m•6 m=6 mTake the square roots of the first term.

Last Term: 121 n6

Step2 : √ 121n =√ 11n •11n Take the square roots of the last term.
6 3 3

3
¿ 11n
Step3 : ( 6 n+ 11n3 ) (6 n−11n3 ) Write the product of the sum and
difference of the square roots.

5. 9 x 10−25 y 4
First Term: 9 x 10
Step1 √ 9 x 10=3 x 5
Take the square roots of the first
term.

Take the square roots of the first

term.
25 y 4 =√ 25 y 4=5 y 2

Write the product of the sum and

( 3 x 5+ 5 y 2) (3 x5 −5 y 2) difference of the square roots.

Check your Understanding:

SET A
Factor the following square of binomials completely.
1. 16 x 2−81
2. a 10−121
3. 25 e 2−16 e 4
4. 36 k 4−200 k 8
5. 64 y 6 −144 y 10

SET B
Factor the following square of binomials completely.
1. 9 x 2−100
2. 49−16 a 2
 3. 64 x 4 −25 x 2
4. r 2−169 r 6
5. 81 p6−121 p12

SET C
Factor the following square of binomials completely.
1. 16 y 2−81
2. 121−49 z2
3. 64 x 4 −81 x 4
4. 49 h 4−100 h 6
5. 144 p8 −225 p 6

Lesson
Factoring the Sum and Difference of Two Cubes
3

A. Learning Competency
- To factor completely the sum and difference of two cubes.

B. Discussion
A polynomial in the form a 3+ b3 is called a sum of cubes because two cubic
terms are being added while polynomial in the form a 3−b3 is called the
difference of two cubes because two cubic terms are being subtracted. The
sum and difference of two cubes can be factored into a product of a
binomial times a trinomial.
A mnemonic for the signs of the factorization is the word "SOAP", the
letters stand for "Same sign" as in the middle of the original expression,
"Opposite sign", and "Always Positive".
Factors of the Sum Two Cubes:
Let x and y be real numbers, variables, or algebraic expressions.

x 3 + y 3=( x [ same sign ] y ) ( x2 [ opposite sign ] xy [ always positive ] b2 )

Note that the factors are one binomial and one trinomial. The sum of the
cubes of two terms is equal to the sum of two terms multiplied by the sum of
the squares of these terms minus the product of these two terms.

Steps in Factoring Polynomials with Sum of Two Cubes:

1. Take the cube roots of the two terms.
2. Write the sum of the two cube roots as the first factor.
3. For the second factor, get the trinomial by:
a. squaring the first term of the first factor;
b. Subtracting the product of the first and second terms of the
factor;
c. Squaring the last term of the first factor;
d. Combine all the terms in a, b, and c;
4. Write the product of the first and second factors.

Illustrative Examples:
1. Factor x 3 +125
Solution:
x 3=√ x 3=x
3

Take the cube roots of the two

125=√ 125=5
3
terms.

Write the sum of the two cube

roots as the first factor
( x +5 )
For the second factor;
2 2 a. square the first term of the
( x ) =x factor;

(−x ) ( 5 )=−5 x
b. subtract the product of the
first and second terms of the
 (5) =25
2
factor;

c. square the last term of the

3
( x −5 x +25) first factor;

d. combine all the terms in a, b,

and c;

. 2
(x +5)(x −5 x+25) Write the product of the first and
second factors. (SOAP)

2. Factor 8 x 3+ y 3
8 x 3=√ 8 x 3=2 x
3

Take the cube roots of the two

y 3= √ y 3= y
3
terms.

Write the sum of the two cube

roots as the first factor.
( 2 x+ y )
For the second factor;
2 2 a. square the first term of the
(2 x) =4 x factor;

( 2 x )( y )=2 xy
b. subtract the product of the
first and second terms of the
factor;
2 2
( y) =y c. square the last term of the
first factor;

2
(2 x +2 xy + y )
2 d. combine all the terms in a, b,
and c.

( 2 x+ y ) (2 x 2−2 xy + y 2 ) Write the product of the first and

second factors. (SOAP)

3. Factor 27 x 3 +216
27 x 3=√ 27 x 3=3 x
3

Take the cube roots of the two

216=√ 216=6
3
terms.

Write the sum of the two cube

roots as the first factor.
( 3 x+ 6 )
For the second factor;
a. square the first term of the
 2
(3 x) =9 x
2
factor;

( 3 x )( 6 )=18 x b. subtract the product of the

first and second terms of the
factor;

2 c. square the last term of the

(6) =36 first factor;

2
d. combine all the terms in a, b,
(9 x +18 x +36) and c.

( 3 x+ 6 ) (9 x 2−18 x +36) Write the product of the first and

second factors. (SOAP)

Factors of the Difference of Two Cubes:

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

x 3− y 3=(x [ same sign ] y) ( x 3 [ opposite sign ] xy [ always positive ] y 3 )

The difference of the cubes of two terms is equal to the difference of two
terms multiplied by the sum of the squares of these two terms plus the
product of these two terms.

Steps in Factoring Polynomials with Difference of Two Cubes:

1. Take the cube roots of the two terms.
2. Write the difference of the two cube roots as the first factor.
3. For the second factor, get the trinomial by:
e. squaring the first term of the factor;
a. adding the product of the first and second terms of the factor;
b. squaring the last term of the first factor;
c. combine all the terms in a, b, and c;
4. Write the product of the first and second factors.

Illustrative Examples:
1. Factor x 3−64
x 3=√ x 3=x
3

Take the cube roots of the two

 64=√ 64=4 terms.
3

Write the difference of the two

cube roots as the first factor.
( x−4 )
For the second factor;
2 2 a. square the first term of the
( x ) =x factor;

( x ) (−4 )=−4 x
b. multiply first and last terms
of the factor;

c. square the last term of the

(−4) =16
2
first factor;

d. combine all the terms in a, b,

2
(x −4 x+16 ) and c.

( x−4 ) ( x 2 +4 x+16) Write the product of the first and

second factors. (SOAP)

2. Factor 343 x 3− y 3
343 x 3=√ 343 x 3 =7 x
3

Take the cube roots of the two

y 3= √ y 3= y
3
terms.

Write the difference of the two

cube roots as the first factor.
( 7 x− y )
For the second factor;
2 2 a. square the first term of the
(7 x ) =49 x factor;

( 7 x ) (− y )=−7 xy
b. multiply first and last terms
of the first factor;

c. square the last term of the

2 2
(− y ) = y first factor;

d. combine all the terms in a, b,

2
( 49 x +7 xy + y )
2 and c.

( 7 x + y ) (49 x 2−7 xy + y 2 ) Write the product of the first and

 second factors. (SOAP)

3. Factor 27 x 3−64 y 6
27 x 3=√ 27 x 3=3 x
3

Take the cube roots of the two

64 x 3= √ 64 x 3=4 y 2
3
terms.

Write the difference of the two

cube roots as the first factor.
( 3 x−4 y 2 )
For the second factor;
2 2 e. square the first term of the
(3 x) =9 x factor;

( 3 x ) (−4 y 2 ) =−12 x y 2
f. multiply first and last terms
of the first factor;
2 2 4
(−4 y ) =16 y g. square the last term of the
first factor;
2 4
(9 x −12 xy+ 16 y ) h. combine all the terms in a, b,
and c.

( 3 x−4 y 2 ) (9 x 2 +12 x y 2+ 16 y 4 ) Write the product of the first and

second factors. (SOAP)

Let’s Try!
Factors the following polynomials completely.
1. x 3 +64
2. 27 x 3−8
3. 64 y 3 −27 z3
4. 64 x 3 +125 y 6
5. 8 x 12−216 y 6

Solution:
3
1. x +64
x 3=√ x 3=x
3

Take the cube roots of the two

64=√ 64=4
3
terms.
 Write the difference of the two
cube roots as the first factor.
( x +4 )
For the second factor;
2 2 a. square the first term of the
( x ) =x factor;

( x ) ( 4 )=4 x
b. multiply first and last terms
of the first factor;
2
( 4) =16 c. square the last term of the
first factor;
2
(x +5 x +16) d. combine all the terms in a, b,
and c.

( x +4 ) ( x 2−5 x+ 16) Write the product of the first and

second factors. (SOAP)

2. 27 x 3−8
27 x 3=√ 27 x 3=3 x
3

Take the cube roots of the two

8=√ 8=2
3
terms.

Write the difference of the two

cube roots as the first factor.
( 3 x−2 )
For the second factor;
2 2 a. square the first term of the
(3 x) =9 x factor;

( 3 x )(−2 )=−6 x
b. multiply first and last terms
of the first factor;
2
(−2) =4 c. square the last term of the
first factor;
2
(9 x −6 x +4 ) d. combine all the terms in a, b,
and c.

( 3 x−2 ) (9 x 2 +6 x+ 4) Write the product of the first and

second factors. (SOAP)

3. 64 y 3 −27 z3
64 y 3 =√ 64 y 3=4 y
3

Take the cube roots of the two

 27 z 3=√ 27 z 3=3 z terms.
3

Write the difference of the two

cube roots as the first factor.
( 4 y−3 z )
For the second factor;
2 2 a. square the first term of the
( 4 y) =16 y factor;

( 4 y ) (−3 z )=−12 yz
b. multiply first and last terms
of the first factor;
2 2
(−3 z) =9 z c. square the last term of the
first factor;
2 2
(16 y −12 yz +9 z ) d. combine all the terms in a, b,
and c.

( 4 y−3 z ) (16 y 2 +12 yz + 9 z 2 ) Write the product of the first and

second factors. (SOAP)

4. 64 x 3 +1 25 y 6

4 x3 =√ 64 x 3=4 x
3
Take the cube roots of the two
25 y = √ 25 y =5 y terms.
6 3 6 2

Write the difference of the two

cube roots as the first factor.
( 4 x+ 5 y 2)
For the second factor;
2 2 a. square the first term of the
(4 x) =16 x factor;

( 4 x ) ( 5 y 2 )=20 x y 2
b. multiply first and last terms
of the first factor;
2 2
(5 z) =25 z c. square the last term of the
first factor;
2 2 2
(16 y +20 x y +25 z ) d. combine all the terms in a, b,
and c.

( 4 x+ 5 y 2) (16 y 2−20 x y 2 +25 z 2) Write the product of the first and

second factors. (SOAP)

5. 8 x 12−216 y 6
8 x 12=√ 8 x 12=2 x 4
3
Take the cube roots of the two
216 y = √216 y =6 y terms.
6 3 6 2

Write the difference of the two

cube roots as the first factor.
( 2 x 4−6 y 2)
For the second factor;
4 2 8 a. square the first term of the
(2 x ) =4 x factor;

( 2 x 4 ) (−6 y 2 ) =−12 x 4 y 2 b. multiply first and last terms

of the first factor;
2 2 4
(−6 y ) =36 y c. square the last term of the
first factor;
8 4 2 4
(4 x ±12 x y +36 y ) d. combine all the terms in a, b,
and c.

( 2 x 4−6 y 2) (4 x 8 ±12 x 4 y 2 +36 y 4 ) Write the product of the first and

second factors. (SOAP)

Check your Understanding

SET A
Factor the following polynomials completely.
1. x 3 +27
 2. 125−8 x3
3. 64 n3+ 27 m3
4. 8 s3 +125 t 6
5. 216a 6−16 b 9
SET B
Factor the following polynomials completely.
1. 16 x 3+ 1
2. 8−16 y 3
3. 8 k 3 +64 l 3
4. 64 p3 −125 p 9
5. 216a 6+ 1000 b9

SET C
Factor the following polynomials completely.
1. 1−27 x 3
2. 49 r 3+64 s 3
3. 8 h6 −27 j 9
4. 125 c 6 +343 d 3
5. 27w 9−216 w12

Lesson
Factoring Perfect Square Trinomial
4
 A. Learning Competency
To factor completely the perfect square trinomial.
B. Discussion
A polynomial has several terms. A trinomial (as the prefix “tri”)
is a polynomial with three terms. When we’re dealing with perfect
squares, it means we’re dealing with squaring binomials.
A quadratic equation is a second degree polynomial usually in
the form of ax 2 +bx +c where a, b and c are real numbers and a ≠ 0. The
term “a” is referred to as the leading coefficient, while “c” is the
constant or the last terms.

Tips on how to recognize a perfect square trinomial:

 Check whether the first and last terms of the trinomial are
perfect squares.
 Multiply the roots of the first and third terms together.
 Compare to the middle terms with the result in step two.
 If the first and last terms are perfect squares, and the middle
terms coefficient is twice the product of the square roots of
the first and last terms, then the expression is a perfect
square trinomial.
Steps in factoring a perfect square trinomial:
1. Identify the squared numbers in the first and third terms of
the trinomial.
2. Examine the middle term if it has either positive or negative.
If the middle term of the trinomial is positive or negative,
then the factors will have a plus and minus sign, respectively.
3. Write out your terms by applying the following identities:
a. a 2+2 ab +b2 = ( a+ b )2=( a+b ) ( a+ b )
b. a 2−2 ab+b 2 = ( a−b )2=( a−b ) ( a−b )
c.
Illustrative Examples
Factor each completely.
2
1. x + 16 x+64
2
2. 4 x −12 x +9
2
3. x −12 x+ 81
2
4. 16 x −20 x+ 25

Solution:
1. Factor x 2+ 16 x+64

Get the square root of the first

 x 2=√ x 2=x term.

Get the square root of the last

term.
64=√ 64=8
List down the square root as sum /
2 difference of two terms.
(x +8)
2. Factor 4 x 2−12 x +9

Get the square root of the first

4 x 2=√ 4 x 2=2 x term.

Get the square root of the last

term.
9 ¿ √ 9=3
List down the square root as sum /
2 difference of two terms.
(2 x+ 3)

3. Factor x 2−18 x+ 81

Get the square root of the first

x 2=√ x 2=x term.

Get the square root of the last

term.
81 ¿ √ 81=9
List down the square root as sum /
2 difference of two terms.
(x−9)
4. Factor 16 x 2−20 x+ 25

Get the square root of the first

16 x 2=√ 16 x2 =4 x term.

Get the square root of the last

term.
25 ¿ √ 25=5
List down the square root as sum /
2 difference of two terms.
(2 x−5)

Let’s Try!
Factor each completely.
 2
1. x + 12 x +36
2
2. 9 x −24 x +16
2
3. 4 x +22 x +121
2
4. 25 x −10 x+1
2
5. 64 x +160 x+100

Answers:
1. Factor x 2+ 12 x +36

Get the square root of the first

x 2=√ x 2=x term.

Get the square root of the last

term.

36 ¿ √ 36=6
List down the square root as sum /
2 difference of two terms.
( x +6)
2. Factor 9 x 2−24 x +16

Get the square root of the first

9 x 2=√ 9 x 2=3 x term.

Get the square root of the last

term.
16 ¿ √ 16=4
List down the square root as sum /
2 difference of two terms.
(3 x−4)
3. Factor 4 x 2+22 x +121

Get the square root of the first

4 x 2=√ 4 x 2=2 x term.

Get the square root of the last

term.
 121 ¿ √ 121=11
List down the square root as sum /
2 difference of two terms.
(2 x+ 11)
4. Factor 25 x 2−10 x+1

Get the square root of the first

25 x 2=√ 25 x 2=5 x term.

Get the square root of the last

term.
1 ¿ √ 1=1
List down the square root as sum /
2 difference of two terms.
(5 x−1)
5. Factor 64 x 2 +160 x+100

Get the square root of the first

64 x 2= √ 64 x 2=8 x term.

Get the square root of the last

term.
100 ¿ √ 100=10
List down the square root as sum /
2 difference of two terms.
(8 x +10)

Check your understanding

SET A
Factor the following perfect square trinomials.
1. x 2+ 14 x+ 49
2. y 2−20 y +100
 3. 9 x 2+ 48 x +64
4. 36 y 2−132 y +121
5. 49 z 2+ 56 z+16

SET B
Factor the following perfect square trinomials.
1. a 2−24 a+ 144
2. d 2 +32 d +256
3. 4 z 2+ 48 x+144
4. 25 y 2−80 y +64
5. 169 k 2−26 k +1

SET B
Factor the following perfect square trinomials.
1. h2 −30 h+225
2. s2 +26 s+169
3. 4 x 2+36 x +81
4. 64 y 2 −80 y+ 25
5. 9 f 2−120 f + 400

Lesson Factoring General Trinomials

2
5 ax +bx +c

A. Learning Competency
To factors completely the perfect square trinomial.
B. Discussion
A trinomial is an algebraic equation composed of three terms and is
normally of the form ax 2 +bx +c=0 , where a, b, and c are numerical
coefficients. The number “a” is called the leading coefficient and is not
equal to zero (a ≠ 0)
 For instance, x 2−20 x+ 100 ,∧3 x 2+ ¿ 9x + 6, are examples of trinomials.
On the other hand, a binomial is an algebraic expression consisting of two
terms. Examples of binomial expression include; x + 6, 3 – 2x, y + 5 etc.
To factor a trinomial is to decompose an equation into the product of
two or more binomials. This means that we will rewrite the trinomial in the
form ( x + m ) (x + n).
Your task is to determine the value of m and n. In other words, we can
say that factoring a trinomial is the reverse process of the foil method.
To factor trinomial with the leading coefficient not equal to 1, we
apply the concept of the greatest common factor (GCF).

Steps in Factoring General Trinomialsax 2 +bx +c .

1. If the trinomial is not in the correct order, rewrite it in descending
order, from highest to lowest power.
2. Factor out the GCF, and remember to include it in your final answer.
3. Find the product of the leading coefficient “a” and the constant “c.”
4. List all the factors of the product of a and c from step 3 above. Identify
the combination that will add up to get the number next to x.
5. Rewrite the original equation by replacing the term “bx” with the
chosen factors from step 4.
6. Factor the equation.

Points to Remember in Factoring ax 2 +bx +c

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 coefficient of x in the
trinomial.
ax +bx +c = (a + b) (a + b)
2

ax −bx+ c = (a - b) (a - b)
2

b. negative, the constant terms of the binomials

 have the opposite signs.
ax +bx−c = (a - b) (a + b)
2

ax −bx−c = (a - b) (a + b)
2

Let’s now factor a couple of examples of trinomial equations.

C. Examples
Factor each completely.
2
1. 2 x + 9 x +12
2
2. 9 x −30 x+ 16
2
3. 4 x +5 x−6
2
4. 10 x −15 x−25
2
5. 6 x + 40 x +24

Solutions:
1. 2 x 2+ 9 x +10
Look for a factor common to all terms. The constant term, c, of
the monomial is positive (12) so the constant terms of the binomial
factors will have the same signs.
Find the factors of a, 2 and the factors of c, 12

Factors of 2 Factors of 10

1, 2 1, 10

-1, -10

2, 5

Write trial factors and use the Outer and Inner products of
FOIL to check the middle term.
Trial Factors Middle Term
(x+1)(2x+10) 10x + 2x =
12x
(x-1)(2x-10) -10x – 2x = -
12
(x+2)(2x+5) 10x + 4x = 9x
This is the required
(x-1)(2x-5) -5x – 2x = -7x middle term.
(2x+1)(x+10) 20x + x = 21x
(2x-1)(x-10) -20x – x = -
21x
(2x+2)(x+5) 10x + 2x =
12x
(2x-1)(x-5) -10x – x = -
11x

From the list trial factors, 2 x 2+ 9 x +12= ( x +2 ) (2 x +5).

2. 9 x 2−30 x+ 16
The terms of the trinomial do not have a common factor. Hence,
the binomial factor will not have a common factor.
Since Factors of 9 Factors of 16 the constant term,
c, is positive and the coefficient
of x is 1, 9 -1, -16 negative, only the
negative factors of 16 need
3, 3 -2, -8
to be tried.
Find -4, -4 the factors of a, 9
and c, 16.

Write trial factors and use the Outer and Inner products of FOIL
to check the middle term.

This is the required

middle term.
 Factors of 4 Factors of -6

1, 4 -1, 6

2, 2 1, -6

2, -3

-2, 3

From the list trial factors, 9 x 2−30 x+ 16=( 3 x−2 )(3 x−8).

2
3. 4 x +5 x−6
The constant term, c, is negative (-6) so the constant terms of
the binomial factors will have opposite signs.
Find the factors of a, 4 and c, -6.

Write trial factors and use the Outer and Inner products of FOIL
to check the middle term.
 Trial Factors Middle Term
(x – 1) (4x + 6) 6x – 4x = 2x
(x + 1) (4x – 6) -6x + 4x = -2x
(x – 2) (4x + 3) 3x – 8x = -5x
(x + 2) (4x – 3) Factors
-3x + 8xof 10
= 5x Factors of -25
(4x – 1) (x + 6) 1, –10x = 23x
24x -1, 25
2, 5 1, -25
(4x + 1) (x – 6) -24x + x = -23x
5, -5 This is the required
(4x – 2) (x + 3) 12x – 2x = 10x middle term.
-5, 5
(4x + 2) (x – 3) -12x + 2x = -
10x
(2x – 1) (2x + 6) 12x – 2x = 10x
(2x + 1) (2x – 6) -12x + 2x = -
10x
(2x – 2) (2x + 3) 6x – 4x = 2x
(2x + 2) (2x – 3) -6x + 4x = -2x
(2x – 1) (2x + 6) 12x – 2x = 10x
(2x + 1) (2x – 6) -12x + 2x = -
10x
(2x – 2) (2x + 3) 6x – 4x = 2x

From the list trial factors, 4 x 2+5 x−6=( x +2 ) ( 4 x−3).

2
4. 10 x −15 x−25
The terms have no common factors. The constant term, c, is
negative (-25) so the constant terms of the binomial factors will have
opposite signs.
Find the factors of a, 10 and c, -25.
 Write trial factors and use the Outer and Inner products of FOIL
to check the middle term.

Trial Factors Middle Term

(x – 1) (10x + 25) 25x – 10x = 15x

(x – 5) (10x + 5) 5x – 50x = -45x

(x + 5) (10x – 5) -5x + 50x = 45x

Factors
(10x – 1)of(x3+ 6)Factors
60xof
– x = 59x
12
(10x1,+31) (x – 6) 1,-60x
12 + x = -59x

(10x – 2) (x + 3) 2,30x
6 – 2x = 28x
This is the required
(2x – 1) (5x + 25) 3,50x
4 – 5x = 45x middle term.

(2x + 1) (5x – 25) -50x + 5x = -45x

(2x – 5) (5x + 5) 10x – 25x = -15x

(2x + 5) (5x – 5) -10x + 25x = 15x

(5x – 1) (2x + 25) 125x –2x = 123x

(5x + 1) (2x – 25) -125x + 2x = -

123x
(5x – 5) (2x + 5) 25x – 10x = 15x

From the list trial factors, 10 x 2−15 x−25= (2 x−5 )(5 x +5).

2
5. 6 x + 40 x+24
The terms have a common factor. Find the GCF of the terms of
the polynomial. The constant term, c, of the monomial is positive so
the constant terms of the binomial factors will have the same signs.

The GCF of 6 x 2 , 40 x ∧24 is 2.

2(3 x ¿¿ 2+20 x+12) ¿ Factor out the GCF

Factor the trinomial 3 x 2+ 20 x +12

 Trial Factors Middle Term Write trial factors and use the Outer and
Inner products of FOIL to check the middle
(x + 1) (3x + 12x + 3x = 15x term.
12)
(x + 2) (3x + 6) 6x + 6x = 12x

(x + 3) (3x + 4) 4x + 9x = 13x
This is the required
(3x + 1) (x + 36x + x = 37x middle term.
12)
(3x + 2) (x + 6) 18x + 2x = 20x

(3x + 3) (x + 4) 12x + 3x =15x

2
Thus , 6 x + 40 x+ 24=2 ( 3 x +2 ) ( x +6)

Let’s Try!
Factor each completely.
2
1. 8 x + 17 x+2
2
2. 2 x −13 x +15
2
3. 5 x +13 x−28
3 2
4. 14 x −19 x −3 x
3 2
5. 3 x −3 x −90 x

Answers:
1. 8 x 2+ 17 x+2
The terms of the trinomial do not have a common factor. Hence,
the binomial factor will not have a common factor. Because the
constant term c, is positive and the coefficient of x is also a positive,
the binomial factors will have both signs positive.
Find the factors of a, 8 and c, 2.
Factors of 8 Factors of 2
1, 8 1, 2
 2,4

Write the trial factors and use the Outer and Inner products of
FOIL to check the middle term.

Trial Factors Middle Term

(x + 1)(8x + 2) 2x + 8x = 10x This is the required
(2x + 1)(4x + 4x + 4x = 8x middle term.
2)
(8x + 1)(x + 2) 16x + x = 17x

Thus, 8 x 2+ 17 x+2 = (8x + 1)(x + 2)

2
2. 2 x −13 x +15
The terms have no common factors. Because c is positive and b
is negative, only the negative factors of 15 need to be tried.
Find the factors of a, 2 and c, 15.
Factors of 8 Factors of 2
1, 2 -1, -15
-3, -5
Write the trial factors and use the Outer and Inner products of
FOIL to check the middle term.
 Trial Factors Middle Term
(x - 1)(2x - 15) -15x – 2x = -
17x This is the required
(x - 3)(2x - 5) -5x – 6x = -11x middle term.
(2x - 1)(x - 15) -30x – x = -31x
(2x - 3)(x - 5) -10x – 3x = -
13x
Thus, 2 x 2−13 x +15 = (2x - 3)(x - 5)

3.5 x 2+ 6 x −27
The terms have no common factors. The constant term, c, is
negative (-28) so the constant terms of the binomial factors will have
opposite signs.
Find the factors of a, 5 and c, -28.
Factors of 5 Factors of -
27
1, 5 1, -27
-1, 27
3, -9
-3, 9
Write the trial factors and use the Outer and Inner products of
FOIL to check the middle term.
Trial Factors Middle Term
(x + 1)(5x - 7) -7x + 5x = -2x This is the required
(x - 1)(5x + 27) 27x – 5x = 22x middle term.

(x + 3)(5x - 9) -9x + 15x = 6x

(x - 3)(5x + 9) 9x – 15x = -6x
(5x + 1)(x - 7) -35x + x = -34x
(5x - 1)(x + 27) -35x – x = -36x
(5x + 3)(x - 9) -45x + 3x = -
42x
(5x - 3)(x + 9) 45x – 3x = 42x
Thus, 5 x 2+ 6 x −27 = (x + 3)(5x - 9)

3 2
4. 14 x −19 x −3 x
The terms have a common factor. Find the GCF of the terms of
the polynomial. The constant term, c, of the monomial is negative so
the constant terms of the binomial factors will have the opposite
signs.
 The GCF of 14 x 3 ,19 x 2∧3 x is x .
x (14 x ¿¿ 2−19 x−3)¿ Factor out the GCF

Factors of Factors of -3
14
1, 14 1, -3

2, 7 -1, 3

Factor the trinomial 14 x 2−19 x−3

Trial Factors Middle Term Write trial factors and use the Outer and
Inner products of FOIL to check the middle
(x + 1) (14x - 3) -3x + 14x = 11x term.

(x - 1) (14x + 3) 3x – 14x = -11x

(14x + 1) (x - 3) -42x + x = -41x

(14x - 1) (x + 3) 42x – x = 41x
This is the required
(2x + 1) (7x - 3) -6x + 7x = x middle term.

(2x - 1) (7x + 3) 6x – 7x = -x
(7x + 1) (2x - 3) -21x + 2x = -
19x
(7x - 1) (2x + 3) 21x – 2x = 19x

3 2
Thus , 14 x −19 x −3 x=x ( 7 x +1 ) (2 x−3)
2
5. 2 x −30 x +108
The terms have a common factor. Find the GCF of the terms of
the polynomial. Because c is positive and b is negative , only the
negative factors need to be tried.
The GCF of 2 x 2 ,−3 0 x∧108 is 2.
2(x ¿¿ 2−15 x +54)¿ Factor out the GCF

Factors of x 2 Factors of
30
x, x -1, -54
 -2, -27

-6, -9

Factor the trinomial x 2−15 x+ 54

Trial Factors Middle Term Write trial factors and use the Outer and
Inner products of FOIL to check the middle
(x – 1) (x – 54) -54x –x = -55x term.

(x – 2) (x – 27) -27x – 2x = - This is the required

29x middle term.
(x – 6) (x – 9) -9x – 6x = -15x

Thus, 2 x 2−30 x +108 = 2(x – 6) (x -9)

Check your understanding

SET A
Factor each expression completely.
2
1. x +2 x+ 1
2. x 2−6 x +9
3. b 2+16 b +64
4. 2 a2 +18 a+36
5. 2 x 2−x−1

SET B
Factor each expression completely.
2
1. 8 x +6 x−20
2
2. 6 m −6 m−12
2
3. b +16 b+ 64
2
4. 15 p −25 p−110
2
5. 2 x +10 x−48

SET C
Factor each expression completely.
 2
1. y + 9 x +18
2
2. 3 x −12 x−15
4 3 2
3. x −5 x + 6 x
2
4. 15 p −25 p−110
2
5. 6 x −12 x−144