Factoring the Greatest Common Factor of a Polynomial
When we study fractions, we learn that the greatest common factor (GCF) of two numbers is the largest number that divides evenly into both numbers. For instance, is the GCF of and because it is the largest number that divides evenly into both and The GCF of polynomials works the same way: is the GCF of and because it is the largest polynomial that divides evenly into both and . When factoring a polynomial expression, our first step should be to check for a GCF. Look for the GCF of the coefficients, and then look for the GCF of the variables.A General Note: Greatest Common Factor
The greatest common factor (GCF) of polynomials is the largest polynomial that divides evenly into the polynomials.How To: Given a polynomial expression, factor out the greatest common factor.
- Identify the GCF of the coefficients.
- Identify the GCF of the variables.
- Combine to find the GCF of the expression.
- Determine what the GCF needs to be multiplied by to obtain each term in the expression.
- Write the factored expression as the product of the GCF and the sum of the terms we need to multiply by.
Example 1: Factoring the Greatest Common Factor
Factor .Solution
First, find the GCF of the expression. The GCF of , and is . The GCF of , and is . (Note that the GCF of a set of expressions in the form will always be the exponent of lowest degree.) And the GCF of , and is . Combine these to find the GCF of the polynomial, . Next, determine what the GCF needs to be multiplied by to obtain each term of the polynomial. We find that , and . Finally, write the factored expression as the product of the GCF and the sum of the terms we needed to multiply by.Analysis of the Solution
After factoring, we can check our work by multiplying. Use the distributive property to confirm that .Try It 1
Factor by pulling out the GCF. SolutionLicenses & Attributions
CC licensed content, Specific attribution
- College Algebra. Provided by: OpenStax Authored by: OpenStax College Algebra. Located at: https://cnx.org/contents/9b08c294-057f-4201-9f48-5d6ad992740d@3.278:1/Preface. License: CC BY: Attribution.