Special FactorizationsFour special factorizations occur so often that they arelisted here for future reference.} } SPECIAL FACTORIZATIONS x - y = (x+y)(x-y) Difference of two squares x + 2xy + y x - y = (x-y)(x x + y = (x+y)(x A polynomial that cannot be factored is called a primepolynomial. EXAMPLE Factor each of the following. (a) 64p-49q (b) x + 36 is a prime polynomial. (c) x + 12x +36 = (x +6) (d) 9y-24yz + 16z (e) y - 8 = (y-2)(y (f ) m +125 = m (g) 8k-27z CAUTION In factoring, always look for a common factor first. Since 36x 36x - 4y = 4(9x It would be incomplete to factor it as 36x - 4y = (6x + 2y)(6x - 2y) since each factor can be factored still further. To factormeans to factor completely, so that each polynomial factor isprime. |