This document provides instructions for factoring polynomials by grouping terms. It explains that you should 1) group terms into pairs, 2) pull out common factors from each group, 3) pull out any common binomial factors, and 4) simplify if possible. An example polynomial is provided and factored step-by-step to demonstrate the process. Additional practice polynomials are included for the reader to try factoring using the same method.

1. Ch.11.5_FactorByGrouping.notebook February 02, 2012
Chapter 11.5
Find Binomial Factors in a Polynomial
(Factor by grouping)
1) group into pairs of 2 terms
2) pull out common factors (factor it)
3) pull out common binomials
4) Simplify...if you can
Example:
Factor the following polynomial
6ab ­ 9a + 4b ­ 6
1) group into pairs of 2 terms
6ab ­ 9a + 4b ­ 6
2) pull out common factors
3a(2b ­ 3) + 2(2b ­ 3)
3) pull out common binomials
(3a + 2) (2b ­ 3)
Factor the following polynomial
(be careful with negative signs)
12df ­ 3dg ­ 24ef + 6eg

2. Ch.11.5_FactorByGrouping.notebook February 02, 2012
2a2 + 2a2b ­ 3ab2 + ac2 + bc2 ­ 3b3
18mr ­ 4ms­ 6mt + 36nr ­ 8ns ­12nt
15tu + 20t ­ 6vu ­ 8v