Factoring Polynomials

Factoring a polynomial is the opposite process of multiplying polynomials. Remember that when we factor a number, we are looking for prime factors that multiply together to give the number. When we factor a polynomial, we are looking for simpler polynomials that can be multiplied together to give us the polynomial that we started with. We are usually only interested in breaking it down into polynomials that have integer coefficients and constants. Recall that the distributive law says: a(b + c) = ab + ac. When thinking about it in reverse means that if you see ab + ac, you can write it as a(b + c). For a complete breakdown go to the Algebra LAB website here: http://www.algebralab.org/lessons/lesson.aspx?file=Algebra_Factoring.xml .