8

Mathematics
Quarter 1, Week 1 to 2 – Module 1.1
Factoring Completely Different Types
of Polynomials
Mathematics – Grade 8
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Factoring Completely Different Types of Polynomials

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: SYLVIA B. SARIOLA

Editors: NERISSA A. MORTEGA

EFLEDA C. DOLZ
HILDA J. CARLET
DIOLETA B. BORAIS

Reviewer: DIOLETA B. BORAIS/ LILLI ANN HERMOGENES

Illustrator/ Layout Artist: MARISOL B. BOSEO

2
 GRADE 8 (QUARTER 1)
MODULE 1
Factoring Completely Different Types of Polynomials

I. Introduction:

A polynomial is one of the basic concepts in algebra. In Math

7, you learned how to multiply two polynomials to get another
polynomial. In most of our future work in algebra, it is often necessary
to express a polynomial as a product of other polynomials. Factoring is
the reverse process of multiplying polynomials. In this module you will
learn about factoring polynomials.

The figure below is a square made up of 36 tiles. Rearrange

the tiles to create a rectangle, having the same area as the original
square.

How many such rectangles can you create? What do you

consider in looking for the other dimensions?

This module is made up of five lessons:

Lesson 1: Factoring Polynomials with Common Monomial Factor
Lesson 2: Factoring Difference of Two Squares
Lesson 3: Factoring Sum or Difference of Two Cubes
Lesson 4: Factoring Perfect Square Trinomial
Lesson 5: Factoring General Trinomial

1
II. Objectives:
After performing the activities in this module, you should be able
to factor:
• polynomials with common monomial factor
• difference of two squares
• sum and difference of two cubes
• perfect square trinomial
• general trinomial

III. Pre-Test:
But wait, before you start studying this module, take this simple
test first to find out how much you already know about the topic
to be discussed.

A. Do the following.
1. Find the factors of 18.
2. Find the prime factors of 64.
3.
4.
Find the greatest common factor of 24 and 100.
Find the greatest common monomial factor of 3y6 and 6y².

5. Find the factored form of 3x²+15x.

B. Determine whether the statement is true or false. Write T if it is true and

F if it is false.
1. ² is a perfect square
2. ² + ² is a difference of two squares
3. The complete factors of 4- 81 are ( 2 + 9) and ( 2
− 9).
4. 5
is a perfect square.
2
5. − 9 is the same as 9 − 2.

C. Answer the following:

1. What is the cube of 5?
2.
3.
What is the cube root of 64?
What is the binomial factor of 3
+ 3?
4. What is the trinomial factor of 27 − ³?
3
5. What is the factored form of 8 + 27 3?

D.
1.
Answer the following:
What is the square of + 2?
2. What is the square of − 2?

3. What2 is the missing term of 2 + 14 + ___ to make it a perfect square trinomial?

4. Factor + 10 + 25
2
5. Factor −6 +9

E. Answer the following:

1. Find the factors of 12.

2
2. Find the factors of -18.
3.
4.
Find the factors of 20 whose sum is 9.
Factor 2 + 10 + 21
5. Factor 2 2 + 11 + 5

How was it? Do you think you got it right? Compare your answers
with those in the answer key on page _29_ to find out. If all your
answers are right, very good! You may still study the module to review
what you already know.

If you got a low score, don’t feel bad. This means that this
module is for you. It will help you understand some important concepts
that you can apply in your daily life. Are you ready? You may now
start. Happy Reading!

IV. Learning Activities:

Lesson 1
Factoring Polynomials with Common Monomial Factor

Vocabulary List:
Before you proceed reading to lesson 1, be sure to be familiarized with
the following terms listed below. It will help you understand this module
better.

a. Binomial – is an algebraic expression consisting of two terms.

b. Common Factor –factor that repeatedly occurs in each term
c. Factor – an exact divisor of a number
d. Factors – terms to be multiplied to give the polynomial
e. Factoring – process of finding the factors of a polynomial
f. Greatest Common Factor (GCF) – is the greatest integer that
is a factor of all the given integers
g. Greatest Common Monomial Factor (GCMF) – the greatest
factor contained in every term of an algebraic expression
h. Monomial – an algebraic expression consisting of one term
i. Polynomial – a finite sum of terms each of which is a real
number or the product of a numerical factor and one or more variable factors raised
to a whole number power
j. Prime Number – is a number greater than one which has only
two positive factors: 1 and itself
k. Prime Polynomial – an irreducible polynomial with integral
coefficient whose greatest monomial factor is 1.
l. Trinomial – an algebraic expression consisting of three terms.

II. Objectives

3
 At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
• find the greatest common monomial factor (GCMF) of polynomials
• factor polynomials with greatest common monomial factor (GCMF)
Learning Activities:

Factors, as defined in arithmetic books, are the numbers

multiplied to get a product.
Example 1:

Factor 24.
24 = 1·24

=2

=3

= 4·6
· 12

·8

An important subset of the set of integers which is often used

} Set of factors of 24

as the factor set is the set of prime numbers. Recall that a prime
number is an integer greater than 1 which has only two factors, 1
and itself. The least prime number is 2. The other primes less than
10 are 3,5, and 7. Any positive integer can be expressed as a
product of primes.
24= 2·12
= 2·2·2·3
= 2³·3
24= 3·8
= 3·2·2·2
= 3·2³
24= 4·6
= 2·2·2·3
= 2³·3

Therefore, the prime factors of 24 are 2³ and 3.

The greatest common factor (GCF) of two or more integers is
the greatest integer that is a factor of all given integers.
Example 2: Find the GCF of 30 and 36.
30 = 2·3·5 GCF= 2·3 = 6

4
 36 = 2·2·3·3
The greatest common monomial factor (GCMF) of two or more
monomials is the product of the GCF of the numerical coefficient and the
common variable factors.

Example 3: Find the GCMF of 24 ² and 40 ² ². 24 ² = 2·2·2·3· · · 40 ² ²=2·2·2·5· ·

··
GCMF= 2 · 2 · 2 · · · = 2³ ² = 8 ²

Note that the exponent of each variable in the GCMF is the same
as the smallest exponent of that variable in the given monomials.
Factoring is the reverse of multiplying polynomials.
Steps in Factoring Polynomials with Common Monomial Factor
Step 1: Find the greatest common factor of the numerical
coefficients.
Step 2: Find the common variable with the least exponent
that appears in each term of the polynomial.
Step 3: The product of the GCF in step 1 and step 2 is the
GCMF of the polynomial.
Step 4: To completely factor the given polynomial, divide the
polynomial by its GCMF, the resulting quotient is the other factor.
Example 4: Factor 4 ² + 10 .

Solution:
Step 1: Find the GCF of 4 and 10. 2
Step 2: Find the common variable with the least exponent.
Step 3: The GCMF is the product of step 1 and step 2. 2
4 2
Step 4: Divide the polynomial by GCMF. + 10 = 2 +5
2 2

Thus, the factored form of 4 ² + 10 is 2 (2 + 5).

In 2 (2 + 5)

GCMF Quotient of Polynomial and GCMF

Check by multiplying with the help of distributive property.
2 (2 + 5) = 4 ² + 10

5
Example 5: Factor 12 ² − 16 ² + 24 ³ ³
Solution:
Step 1: Find the GCF of 12,16, and 24. 4
Step 2: Find the common variable with the least exponent.
Step 3: The GCMF is the product of step 1 and step 2. 4

2 2 3 3
12 16 24

Step 4: Divide the polynomial by GCMF. − +

4 4 4

2 2
=3 −4 +6
Thus, the factored form of 12 ² − 16 ² + 24 ³ ³ 4 (3 − 4 + 6 ² ²).

To check, apply the distributive property.

4 (3 − 4 + 6 ² ²) = 12 ² − 16 ² + 24 ³ ³
Example 6: Factor 3 + 7

Solution:
Step 1: Find the GCF of 3 and 7. 1
Step 2: Find the common variable with the least exponent.
None (no common variable)
Step 3: The GCMF is 1.
3 +7

Step 4: Divide the polynomial by GCM. or

1

3 7

+ =3 +7

1 1

This polynomial cannot be factored by removing the common factor since the GCF
in each term is 1. Polynomial of this type is called Prime Polynomial. Other examples of prime
polynomials are 5 + 3 , 2 − 7 and + 2 + 3 .

Practice Exercises:
Let us try the following problems.
Practice Task 1:
Find the greatest common factor.
4 7
1. 2
,2
2. ,
3. 11 , 33
2 2
4. 16 , 8

6
 4 4 2 2
5. 9 , 12 , 27
Practice Task 2:
Factor the following polynomials.
1. 5 + 155
2. 3 − 27
3. 4 −6
2 4
4. 11 + 33
5. 5 − 25

Practice Task 3:
Factor the following polynomials if necessary. If it is not factorable then
write prime polynomial.
1. + +
2. 9 + 27 + 36
3. 4 − 8 + 13
3 3 5 5 2 2
4. 3 − 27 + 81
3 7 4 2
5. 60 + 45 + 30

Assignment:
For you to reinforce the information provided in this lesson try to
answer the given assignment.
Suppose the profit is given by the equation = 182 2 + 12 where is the amount of item that was sold (in thousands).
a. What is the greatest common monomial factor of 18 + 12 ?

b.
c.
Write in factored form.
Find the profit if = 2 and if = 3.

Lesson 2

Factoring Difference of Two Squares

You are now ready to encounter the second type of
factoring polynomials.

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

• identify a difference of two squares
• factor a difference of two squares

7
 Vocabulary List:
a. Difference of Two Squares – a binomial where the first and second
terms are perfect squares. The two terms areseparated signs.
b. Perfect Square – a number whose square root is a whole number.

Learning Activities:
2 2
Do you still remember the product of the sum and difference of the same two terms? Well, that is ( + )( − ) = − .
Using that form, you can reverse the process.
2 2
− =(+)(−)

Difference of Sum of difference of

Two squares two terms two terms

Steps in factoring the difference of two squares

Step 1: Get the principal square root of each of the
two squares
Step 2: Using the principal square roots, form two
factors, one a sum and the other a difference.
Example 1: Is the binomial a difference of two squares?
2
a. −4
b. 66
−1
c. 5
−9
d. 4
−7
e. −25+ 4
2 2
a. Yes; −4= − 22
b. Yes; ( 3 3)² − (1)2
c. No; the exponent of is 5 and 5
is not a perfect square

d.
e.
No; 7 is not a perfect square
Yes; −25 + 4 can be written as 4
− 25 and
4
−25=( 2)2−(5)2.

Example 2: Factor the binomials that shows difference of

two squares in example 1
2
a. −4

8
Solution:
Get the principal square root of 2 and 4.
Step 1: √ ² = , since ( ) = 2 √4 = 2 , since
2(2) = 4
Step 2: ( + 2)( − 2)

Therefore,
66
2
− 4 = ( + 2)( − 2) Form the two factors, one a
b. −1
sum and the other a
difference.

Solution:
Step 1: √x6y6 = x3y3
√1=1
3 3 3 3 66
Step 2: ( + 1)( − 1) Get the principal square root of and 1.

Form two factors, one a

sum and the other a
difference.
4
Therefore,
4
6 6
−1=(
3 3
+ 1)(
3 3
− 1).
c. −25+ = −25 Solution: 4 2
Step 1: √ =
√25=5
 2 2
Step 2: ( + 5)( − 5)

Example 3: Factor completely 4

a. −81
b. 8 2 − 50

a.
Solution:
4
−81

Get the principal square root of 4 and 25.

Form two factors, one a sum

and the other a difference.

4 2
Step 1: √ = Get the principal square root of 4 and 81.

√81=9
Step 2: ( 2 + 9)( 2 − 9)
4
−81=( 2+9)( 2−9)

Form two factors, one a sum

and the other a difference.
But we still need to factor ( 2 − 9) since it still shows difference of two squares.
Therefore, 4
− 81 = ( 2 + 9)( + 3)( − 3).

9
b.
Solution: 8 2
− 50

a. Apply the first type of factoring: factoring with common

monomial factor
8 2 − 50 2(4 2 − 25)
Factor 4 2 − 25 (2 + 5)(2 − 5)
2
Therefore, 8 − 50 = 2(2 + 5)(2 − 5).

Let’s Try this!

Practice Task 1: State whether each of the following binomials is

the difference of two squares. Write YES if it is and NO if it is not.
8
a. +64
6
b. −100
c. 4 2 − 36
1 2
d. 4+
4
e. −0.25 + 0.4

Practice task 2: Factor each of the following difference of

two squares.
2
a. −49
b. 81−22
4 1 4
c. 9−25
2 2 4
d. 0.01 −
2
e. −49 + 4

Practice task 3: Factor each of the following completely.

8 8
a. 4
−4
b. −
4
c. 5 − 20 2
3
d. 2 −8
2
e. − 100 3

Assignment:
For you to reinforce the information provided in this lesson try
to answer the given assignment.

10
1.
a.
Find the value of in the following problems.
2
− 36 = (5 + 6)(5 − 6)
2 2
b. 25 − = (5 + 9 )(5 − 9 )

2. Find the area of the shaded region.

Factor if possible.

Lesson 3

Factoring Sum or Difference of Two Cubes

How do you describe 3+ 3? How about 3− 3? Do you still remember the product of ( + ) and ( 2 − + 2)? How about the
product of ( − ) and ( 2 + + 2)? This lesson will discuss concepts on the third type of factoring which is “Factoring Sum or
Difference of Two Cubes”.

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

• find the cube root of an algebraic expression
• factor the sum or difference of two cubes

Vocabulary List:
a. Difference of Two Cubes - it is a difference of two terms which are
both perfect cubes
b. Sum of Two Cubes - it is a sum of two terms which are both perfect
cubes
c. Perfect Cube – a number whose cube root is a whole number

Learning Activities:
Two other types of factoring are the sum of two cubes and their
difference. Like the difference of two squares, they follow a definite
pattern.

If ( + )( 2
− + 2) = 3+ 3, then 3 + 3 = ( + )( 2 − + 2).

If ( − )( 2
+ + 2) = 3− 3, then 3− 3
= ( − )( 2 − + 2).

Steps in factoring Sum or Difference of Two Cubes:

Step 1: Get the cube root of each cube.

11
 Step 2: Taking the operation between the cubes, obtain a
binomial factor using the cube roots in step 1.

Step 3: Form the second trinomial factor as follows:

a. Square the first cube root.
b. Take the negative product of the cube root.
c. Square the second cube root.
Example 1: Factor + 8 3

Solution:
3
Step 1: Get the cube root of √
3
= since · · = ³
3
and 8.
3 8 = 2 since 2 · 2 · 2 = 8

Step 2: Take the operation between 3

and 8 to obtain the

binomial factor using the cube roots. +2

Step 3: Form the second trinomial factor by:

• Squaring the first cube root ( )2 = 2

• Take the negative product of the cube root −(2 · ) = −2

• Square the second cube root. 22=4

3 2
Therefore, + 8 = ( + 2)( − 2 + 4).

3 2
In + 8 = ( + 2)( − 2 + 4)

Sum of two Binomial Trinomial

cubes factor factor

Note: The sum of two cubes has two factors, one binomial and one
trinomial. The binomial factor is the sum of the cube roots of the
given terms. The trinomial factor is made up of the sum of the square
of the first term of the binomial factor, the negative of the product of
the first and second terms of the binomial factor and the square of
the second term of the binomial factor. 3
Example 2: Factor 64 −

Solution:
3
Step 1: Get the cube root of 64 and √
64 = 4 since 4 · 4 · 4 = 4³ = 64
3
.
3
3 = since · · = ³
√

12
 3
Step 2: Take the operation between 64 and to obtain the binomial
factor using the cube roots. 4−

Step 3: Form the Second trinomial factor by:

• Square the first cube root

• Take the negative product of the cube roots −(4 · − ) = 4

• Square the second cube root ( )2 = 2

Therefore 64− 3 =(4− )(16+4 + 2)

Difference of Binomial Trinomial

two cubes factor factor
Note: The difference of two cubes has two factors, one binomial and
one trinomial. The binomial factor is the difference of the cube roots of
the given terms. The trinomial factor is made up of the sum of the
square of the first terms of the binomial factor, the positive of the
product of the first and second term of the binomial factor, and the
square of the second term of the binomial factor. 3 6
Example 3: Factor 8 + 125

Solution:
Step 1: Get the cube root of 8 3
and 125 6

√8 ³ = 2 since 2 · 2 · 2 = 8 3
3

6 2 2 2 6
3 125 = 5 ² since 5 ·5 ·5 = 125
√

3 6
Step 2: Take the operation between 8 and 125 to obtain the binomial factor using the cube roots.

Step 3: Form the second trinomial factor:

• Square the first cube root (2 )2 = 4 2

•
−
Take the negative product of the cube root: (2 · 5 2) = −10 2

• Square the second cube root (5 2) = 25 4

3 6
Therefore, 8 + 125 = (2 + 5 2)(4 2
− 10 2
+ 25 4).

Let’s Try This!

Practice Task 1: Find the cube root of the following algebraic

expressions.
8

1. 3
4. − 6
2 +5 2
5.
3 3

27

2. 27 3
4. −1000 3

13
 Practice Task 2: Factor the following completely.
3
1. +27
3
2. -64
3. 8 3−1
6
4. + 3
6
5. − 6

Practice Task 3: Factor the following completely.

6
1. +125
2. 216− 3
1 1 3
3. 8+27
1 3
4. 343 − 1251
3
5. 0.001 −8

Assignment:
For you to reinforce the information provided in this lesson answer the
given assignment.

Factor the following completely.

3 3
1. +512 2. 4 − 32 3. ( + 2)3 + 1000

Lesson 4

Factoring Perfect Square Trinomial

One of the special product rule is squaring binomials. When

you square a binomial the product is called a Perfect Square Trinomial.
In this lesson you will learn the fourth type of factoring which is “Factoring
Perfect Square Trinomial.”

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

• determine a perfect square trinomial
• factor the perfect square trinomial

Vocabulary List:
a. Perfect Square Trinomial – It is a trinomial that is a square of a
binomial. It is the result of squaring a binomial.
b. Trinomial – is an algebraic expression with three terms
c. Square root of a number – is a value that when multiplied by itself,
gives the number

14
 Learning Activities:
In Math 7, you considered squaring binomials as a special product rule:

( + )2 = 2+2 + 2
Perfect Square
2 2 2
Trinomials
( − ) = −2 +

Using the above form, you can say that 2

2
+2 + 2 =( + )2
−2 + 2 =( − )2

A perfect square trinomial is the result of squaring a binomial. Note

that in order to be a perfect square trinomial, it must have the following
conditions:
• the first and last terms are perfect squares.
• the middle term is twice the product of the square root of the
first and last terms.
Example 1: Determine whether each of the following is a
perfect square trinomial.
2
a. +6 +9
b. 2
+5 +6
c. 2
−4 +16
2
d. −10 +25
2
e. 4 + 12 + 9

a.
Solution:2
+6 +9
Condition 1: ² and 9 are perfect squares

Condition 2: 6 is 2[ ⋅ 3], where and 3 are the square roots of ² and 9.

Therefore, 2 + 6 + 9 is a perfect square Trinomial (PST).
2
b. +5 +6

² is a perfect square and 6 is not a perfect square, so it does not satisfy the first condition.
Therefore, 2
+ 5 + 6 is a quadratic trinomial or general trinomial.

15
 2
c. −4 +16
Condition 1: ² and 16 are both perfect squares.

Condition 2: −4 ≠ −2[ ⋅ 4], where and 4 are the square roots of ² and 16.
2
Therefore, − 4 + 16 is not a perfect square trinomial.
2
d. −10 +25
Condition 1: ² and 25 are both perfect squares.

Condition 2: −10 = −2[ ⋅ 5], where and 5 are the square roots of ² and 25.
2
Therefore, − 10 + 25 is a perfect square trinomial.
e. 4 2+12 +9
2
Condition 1: 4 and 9 are both perfect squares.
Condition 2: 12 = 2[2 ⋅ 3], where 2 and 3 are the square roots of 4 2 and 9
2
Therefore, 4 + 12 + 9 is a perfect square trinomial.

Steps in Factoring Perfect Square Trinomials:

Step 1: Get the square roots of the first and last terms.
Step 2: Use the sign of the middle term between the roots.
Step 3: Square the binomial obtained in step 2.

Example 2: Factor the following perfect square trinomials.

2
1. 2
+16 +64
2. −14 +49
3. 1 − 12 + 36 ²

Solution: 2
a. +16 +64

Step 1: Get the square root of n² and 64.

2
√ = since · = ² √64 = 8 since 8 · 8 = 64
Step 2: Use plus sign (+) since it is the sign of the
middle term 16 . +8

16
 2
Step 3: Square the binomial + 8. ( + 8)
Therefore, + 16 + 64 = ( + 8) .
2
2 2

b. −14 +49
Step 1: Get the square root of ² and 49

√
2
=
√49 = 7 since 7 · 7 = 49
since · = ²
(−)

Step 2: Use the minus sign middle term 14

since it is the sign of the
−7

Step 3: Square the binomial – 7. ( − 7) 2

c.
Therefore,
1 − 12 + 36 ²
− 14 + 49 = ( − 7) 2 2

Step 1: Get the square root of 1 and 36m². √1 = 1 since 1 · 1 = 1

2 2
√36 = 6 since 6 · 6 = 36

Step 2: Use the minus sign since it is the sign of the middle term
12 . 1–6

Step 3: Square the binomial 1 − 6 . (1 − 6 )2

2
Therefore, 1 − 12 + 36 = (1 − 6 )2.

Practice Exercises:
Let’s try this!

Practice Task 1: Determine whether each of the following is a perfect

square trinomial. 2
1. +12 +36
2
2. +2 +1
2
3. −6 −9
2
4. −5 +25
2
5. 9 + 12 + 4

17
 Practice Task 2: Fill in the blanks to make the following as
perfect square trinomials. 2
1. 2
− 8 +__
2. + 10 + ___
2
3. +___+49
2
4. −___+9
5. __ + 14 + 49

Practice Task 3: Factor completely. 2

1. 2
+ 20 + 100
2. −18 +81
2
3. + 22 + 121
4. 25 2 + 10 + 1
5. 64+16 + 2

Assignment:
For you to reinforce the information provided in this lesson try to
answer the given assignment.

a.
Find the value of k in the following problems
2
− 12 + 36 = ( − )2
b. 49 2 + 14 + 1 = ( + 1)2
c. + 20 + 4 = (5 + 2)2

Lesson 5

Factoring General Trinomials

In lesson 4, you learned to factor a perfect square trinomial. This

time it is the last type of factoring which is “Factoring General Trinomials.”
Factoring a trinomial involves recognizing patterns, estimating, looking for
clues, and multiplying to check. This lesson is made up of two cases:
Case 1: Factoring 2 + + , when =1 2+ +
+ + , when ≠1

Case 2: Factoring 2

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

• factor general trinomial in the form of 2
++ when a=1
2
• factor general trinomial in the form of ++ when a≠1

18
 Vocabulary List:
a. Constant Term – a number which is definite in value
b. Linear term – a term in the first degree
c. Quadratic Term – a term in the second degree
d. Quadratic Trinomial in one Variable – is a polynomial in one variable with the form 2 + + .

Learning Activities:
Case 1: Factoring + + when =

In Math 7, you have learned how to multiply binomials.

2 2
( +2)( +3)=
2
+2 +3 +6=
2
+5 +6
( −3)( +7)= −3 +7 −21= +4 −21

You have observed that:

• the product is a trinomial 2
+5 +6

First second
third
term term
term
(middle
term)

• the coefficient of in the trinomial is the sum of the constant terms in the binomial factors. ( + 2)( + 3) = 2 + 5 + 6
2+3

• the constant term in the trinomial is the product of the constant terms
in the binomial factors.
( +2)( +3)= 2+5 +6
2·3

The trinomials 2 + 5 + 6 and 2 + 4 − 21 are quadratic in the variable . Each polynomial has the general form 2 + + where , , and are real numbers and = 1.

In 2 + 5 + 6 you will call 2 as the quadratic term (second degree), 5 as the linear term (first degree), and 6 as the constant term (zero degree).
The value of = 1, = 5, and = 6 in 2
+ 5 + 6.

19
 In 2 + 4 − 21 you will call 2 as the quadratic term, 4 as the linear term and −21 as the constant term.
The value of = 1, = 4, and = −21 in 2
+ 4 − 21.

After identifying the values of , , and you are now ready to

factor general trinomial.

Steps in factoring general trinomial in the form + + when = Step 1: List all factors whose products equals the first term and

constant term.

Step 2: Get the pair of factors in the list whose sum equals the
coefficient of the linear term.
Step 3: Write the binomial factors in the form ( + ) ( + ).

Remember some important points in factoring the general trinomial.

If and are
both positive, then the factors must be positive.
If is positive and is negative, then the factors must be negative.
If is negative, then the factors must have opposite sign.
Example 1: Factor + 7 + 12 2

Solution: = 1, = 7, = 12

Since and are both positive you must consider the pair of
positive factors of 12.
Factors of 12 Sum of the factors
1 ,12 13
2, 6 8
3, 4 7

Get the factors of 12 whose sum is 7.

3 and 4
Write the binomial factors as ( + 3) ( + 4).
In symbol, 2
+ 7 + 12

1 12

2 6

3 4
Therefore, 2
+ 7 + 12 = ( + 3)( + 4)

20
 2
Example 2: Factor − 11 + 24.
Solution: = 1, = −11, = 24

Since is negative and is positive you must consider the pair of

negative factors of 24.
Factors of 24 Sum of the factors
,
−1 −24 −25

,
−2 −12 −14

−3, −8 −11

,
−4
Get the factors of 24 whose sum is −11.
−6 −10

−3 and −8
Write the binomial factors as ( − 3)( − 8).

In symbol, 2
− 11 + 24.
−1 −24
−2 −12
−3 −8
−4 −6
Therefore, − 11 + 24 = ( − 3)( − 8) 2

Example 3: Factor + − 6 2

Solution: = 1, = 1, = −6

Since is negative then the factors must have opposite signs.

2
+ −6
Get the factors of −6 whose sum is 1.
1 −6

2
Therefore, + −6=( −2)( +3)

−1 6

2 −3 −2 3

Example 4: Factor 2 − 8k − 9
Solution: = 1, = −8, = −9

Since is negative then the factors must have opposite signs.

2
− 8k −

Get the factors of −9 1

whose sum is -8.

−1

2
Therefore, − 8k − 9 = ( + 1)( − 9).

21
I. Practice Exercises:
Let’s try this

Practice Task 1: Complete the table by finding the two integers with
the sum and product given.

Sum product sum Product

Example: 8 15 3+5 3·5

1. 9 8

2. 10 21

3. 20 36

4. −11 24

5. −6 8

Practice Task 2: Factor if possible. If polynomial is not factorable,

then write PRIME. 2
1. +9 +14
2
2. +11 +24
2
3. −6 +8
2
4. +2 −35
2
5. −11 −42

Practice Task 3: Factor if possible. If polynomial is not factorable,

then write PRIME.
1. 40−12 + 2
2. 36+20 +2
3. 42−23 +2
2 2
4. + 10 + 24
2 2
5. − 14 + 49

Assignment
For you to reinforce the information provided in this lesson, try
to answer the given assignment.

Find all the integral values of k for which the given trinomials can
be factored. 2
1. + +15
2
2. − −12
2
3. + −20

22
 Case 2: Factoring + + when ≠
Learning Activities:
2
A quadratic polynomial in one variable, say , is a polynomial of the form + + where , , and are real numbers. It
is in the second degree.

2
2
You may now consider factoring trinomials where the coefficient of the second-degree term is not equal to one such as 2 +
7 + 3 and 5 − 9 − 2.

Here are the steps in factoring general trinomials under case

2.
Steps in factoring general trinomial + + when ≠

Step 1: Factor out the greatest common factor other than one, if there is
any.
Step 2: Determine the sign pattern for the binomial factors.
Step 3: Find two first terms whose product is . 2

Step 4: Find two last terms whose product is .

Step 5: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until a combination is found for which the
sum of the outer and inner is .
Example 1: Factor 2 2 + 7 + 3.
Solution: = 2, = 7, =3

Since and are both positive then the factors of 3 must be both positive.
2
Factor 2 = 2 · and Factor 3 = 1 · 3
2
Write the possible binomial factors using the factors of 2 and 3 and solve for the middle term.

Possible Factors Middle/Linear term

(2 + 1)( + 3) +6 =7

(2 + 3)( + 1) 3 +2 =5
Get the correct factors that gives the middle term 7 .
(2 + 1)( + 3)
Therefore, 2 2 + 7 + 3 = (2 + 1)( + 3)

23
 2
Example 2: Factor 5 − 9 − 2.
Solution: = 5, = −6, c= −2

Since is negative then the factors of −2 must have opposite sign.

Factor 5 = 5 · 2
and Factor −2 = 1 · −2 and −1 · 2
Write the possible factors and solve for the middle term.
Possible factors Middle/linear term
(5 + 1) ( − 2) − 10 = −9
(5 − 2) ( + 1) −2 + 5 = 3
(5 − 1) ( + 2) − + 10 = 9
(5 + 2)( − 1) 2 − 5 = −3
Get the correct factors that gives the middle term −9 .
(5 + 1)( − 2)
Therefore, 5 2 − 9 − 2 = (5 + 1)( − 2)
2
Example 3: Factor 6 − 13 + 5.

Solution: = 6, = −13, =5

Since is positive and is negative then the factors of 5 must be

both negative.
2
Factor 6 = 6 · and 5 = −1 · −5
=2 ·3

Write the possible factors and solve the middle term.

Possible factors Middle/linear term
(6 − 1)( − 5) − − 30 = −31

(6 − 5)( − 1) −5 − 6 = −11

(2 − 1) (3 − 5) −3 − 10 = −13

(2 − 5) (3 − 1) −15 − 2 = −17
Get the correct factors that gives the middle term −13 .
(2 − 1) (3 − 5)
Therefore, 6 2 − 13 + 5 = (2 − 1) (3 − 5)

To factor general trinomial under case 2 is not easy. You have

difficulty in combining possible factors. Here is another way to
factor the general trinomial under case 2. It is called the “ac test”.

24
 The ac test is used in testing whether trinomial is factorable or not. That is a quadratic trinomial a 2 + + if the product ac can be factored into two factors m and n such that + = .
2
Let us apply the ac test in factoring 2 + 7 + 3.
Solution: =2·3=6
= 2, = 7, =3

Since and are both positive then the factors must be both positive.
Think two positive numbers whose product is 6 and the sum is 7.
Answer: 1 and 6 where = 1 and = 6.

You can show 2 +7 +3=2 + + 6 + 3. 2 2

Step 1: Prepare a 2 by 2 grid.

Step 2: 2 ²

a. Place the first term of the trinomial in

and the third term in 3

b. Place and in the ac test in and

or
6

2 ²

The new 2x2 grid is or 2 ² 6

6 3

25
Note: The product of the terms in and 2 ²

6 3
and are equal.
6 ² 6 ²
 2 ² 6
and the terms in 3
6 ² 6 ²
2 1
2 ²
3 6 3

Step 3: Factor each row and column.

Column:
a. The GCMF of 2 ² and 6 is 2 .
b. The GCMF of and 3 is 1.

OR
3
Row: 2
1
2 ² 6
3

a. The GCMF of 2x² and x is x.

b. The GCMF of 6x and 3 is 3.
Column:
a. The GCMF of 2 ² and is .
b. The GCMF of 6 and 3 is 3.

Row:
a. The GCMF of 2 ² and 6 is 2 .
b. The GCMF of and 3 is 1.
2
Therefore, 2 + 7 + 3 = ( + 3)(2 + 1) or (2 + 1)( + 3).
2
Example 2: 5 −9 −2
Solution: =5·−2=−10 = 5, = −9, = −2

Think two numbers whose sum is −9 and the product is −10.

Answer: −10 and 1 where = −10 and = 1.
You can show 5 2 − 9 − 2 = 5 ² − 10 + − 2.

26
 Prepare 2x2 grid.

5 ² or 5 ² −10

−10 −2 −2

Factor each column and row using the GCMF.

−2 5

5 ²

5 5 ² −10 or

−2 −10

1 −2

2
Therefore, 5 − 9 − 2 = (5 + 1)( − 2) or ( − 2)(5 + 1).

Practice Exercises:
Let us Try This:

Practice Task 1
Identify the values of , , and . Find
2
.
1. 2 + 11 + 12
2. 7 2 + 10 − 8
3. 6 2 + − 12
4. 3 2 + 10 + 3
5. 15 2 + − 2

Practice Task 2
Use the diagram to factor each of the following trinomials
2 2
1. 3 + 7 + 2 = ____ 2. 5 − 9 − 2 = ____

3 ² 6 5 ² −10

2 −2

27
 2 2
3. 4 − 4 − 3 = ____ 4. 4 + 8 + 3 = ___
4 ² −6 4 ² 6
2 −3

2y 3
2
5. 6 − 17 + 5 = ___
6 ² −15
−2 5

Practice Task 3
Factor the following trinomials
2
1. 2 + 11 + 12
2. 7 2 + 10 − 8
3. 6 2 + − 12
4. 3 2 + 10 + 3
5. 15 2 + − 2

Assignment:
For you to reinforce the information provided in this lesson try
to answer the given assignment.

Factor the following completely.

a. 9 ²+6 +1
b. 10 ² + − 3
c. 3 ² − 12 + 9

Post Test:

A. Fill in the blank.

1. The greatest common factor of 35 and 49 is ___.
3 8
2. The greatest common factor of and is _____.
3. The greatest common monomial factor of 27 2 and 9 3 is ___.

28
4.
5.
The greatest common monomial factor of 13 − 26 is ___.
5 + 7 + 9 is called ______ polynomial.
6. 10 3
− 25
10
7. 36 + 18
56
8. −7 + 8 2
9. 18 5 + 12 4 + 6 3
10. 12 4 − 72 3 − 120 2

B. Supply the missing parts to make the binomials difference of two

squares. 4
1. −16=( 2)2−( )2
2. ( )−64=( 3)2−(8)2
66 33 2
3. −( )=( ) −(13)2
4. 0.36 − 8 = ( )2 − ( 4)²
4 2
5. 25 − 361 = (25 )2 − ( )²

Factor completely. 2
6. −121
7. 64 2 − 1
8. 49 4 − 36 4
3
9. − 3
10. 36 3 − 16 5

C. Fill in the blanks to make the statement true.

1. The cube root of 729 is ___.
2. __ is the cube of 4m.
3
3. − 27 is a __ of two cubes.
3
4. The binomial factor of − 64 is ___.
5. The factored form of 3 6 + 9 is ( 2
+ 3) and ___. Factor the following completely.
3 3
6. 8 +
3
7. − 27 3
3
8. +216
9. 125− 3
10. 27 3 + 125 3

D.
1.
Determine which of the following is a perfect square trinomial.
2
−3 +9

29
 2
2. 2
+4 +4
3. +16 +64
2
4. −10 −25
5. 9 2 − 36 + 24

6.
Factor the following perfect square trinomials.
16+8 + 2
2
7. − 20 + 100
8. 1+6 +9 2
9. 81−18 + 2
10. 49 2 − 84 + 36

E.
1.
Factor each of the following general trinomials
2
+3 +2
2
2. +4 −5
2
3. −8 +7
2
4. −3 −40
2
5. −11 +28
2
6. −3 +2 2
2
7. −2 −3 2
2
8. − 3 − 10 2
2
9. − 8 + 15 2
2
10. − 12 + 20 2

F. Determine whether the statement is true or false. Write Y if it is true and

N if it is false.
1. The value of in 3 ² + 8 − 7 is −7.
2. The factored form of 2 ² − 7 − 15 is (2 + 3) ( − 5).
3. The trinomial 6 ² + 36 + 36 have a common factor.
4. The linear term in 3 ² + 8 − 7 is 8 .

5. The constant term has one degree.

Complete the remaining factors in each item.
6. 3 ² + 11 + 6 = (3 + 2) (

7. 8 ² − 10 − 3 = (4 + 1) (

8. 2 ²+ −6=(2 −3)( )

9. 2 ²−5 −3=(2 +1)(

10. 12 ² − 7 − 12 = (4 + 3) (

30
 ANSWER KEY:
Pre-test

1.
A. 18 = 1·18
2·9
3·6
−1 · −18
−2·−9
−3·−6
6
2. 64 = 2·2·2·2·2·2=2

3.
4.
GCF of 24 and 100 is 4
3 ²
5. 3 ( + 5)

B. 1.T 2. F 3. F 4. F 5

1.
C. 53 = 125
2. 3
64=4

√
3. +
4. 9+3 + 2
5. (2 + 3 )(4 2 − 6 + 9 2)

1.
D. 2
+4 +4
2. 2
−4 +4

3.
4.
49
( +5) 2
5. ( −3) 2

1.
E. 12=1·12
= 2·6
= 3·4
= −1 · −12
= −2·−6
= −3·−4
2. −18 = (1) (−18)
= (−1) (18)
= (2) (−9)
= (−2) (9)
= (3) (−6)
= (−3) (6)

31
3.
4.
4 and 5
( + 3) ( + 7)
5. (2 + 1) ( + 5)

Lesson 1:
Practice task 1:
1. 4
2. 3. 11 4. 8 5. 3

Practice task 2:
1. 5( + 3)
4
2. 3 (1 − 9 )
3. 2(2 − 3)
4. 11 2(1 + 3 2)
5. 5( − 5 )

Practice Task 3:
1. ( + + )
2. 3(3 + 9 + 12 )

3.
4.
Prime polynomial
3 2 2( − 9 3 3 + 27)
5. 15 (4 + 3 2 6 + 2 3 )

Assignment:
a. 6
b. 6 (3 + 2)
c. = 18 ² + 12
= 18(2)² + 12(2)
= 18(4) + 24
= 72+24
= 96
= 18 ² + 12
= 18(3)² + 12(3)
= 18(9) + 36
= 162 + 36
= 198

Lesson 2:
Practice Task 1:
1. No 2. Yes 3. Yes 4. No 5. No
32
 Practice Task 2:
1. ( +7)( −7)
2. (9+ )(9− )
3. (23 + 15 2) (23 − 15 2)
4. (0.1 + 2)(0.1 − 2)
5. (2 + 7)(2 − 7)

Practice Task 3: 4
1. ( 2 2
+ 4)( 2
+ 2)( + )( − )
2. ( + )( + )( − )
3. 5 2( + 2)( − 2)
4. 2 ( + 2)( − 2)
5. ( + 10 )( − 10 )

Assignment:

1. a. 25 2. 2
− 2
= ( + )( − )

b. 81

Lesson 3:
Practice Task 1:
1.
2. 3

3. − ²

4. −10

5.
3

1.
Practice Task 2: ( + 3)( 2 − 3 + 9)
2. ( − 4)( 2 + 4 + 16)
3. (2 − 1)(4 2 + 2 + 1)
4. ( 2 + )( 4 − 2 + 2)
5. ( + )( − )( 4 + 2 2 + 4)

Practice Task 3: 2 4 2
1. ( + 5)( −5 + 25)
2. (6 − )(36 + 6 + 2)
3. (12 + 13 )(14 − 16 + 19 ²)
4. (17 − 15)(491 2 + 351 + 251)
2
5. (0.1 − 2)(0.01 + 0.2 + 4)

33
 Assignment: 2
1. ( + 8)( 2
− 8 + 64)
2. 4 ( − 2)( + 2 + 4)
3. [( + 2) + 10][( + 2)2 − 10( + 2) + 100]

Lesson 4:
Practice Task 1:
1. 12.1 3.2 4.2 5.1
Practice Task 2:
1. 16 2. 25 3. 14 4. 6 5. 2

Practice Task 3:
1. ( + 10)2
2. ( −9) 2
3. ( + 11)2
4. (5 + 1)2
5. (8+ )2

Assignment:
1.
2.
6
7
2 2
3. 25

Lesson 5:
Practice Task 1:
1. 1+8=9
(1)(8) = 8
2. 3+7=10
(3)(7) = 21
3. 2+18=20
(2)(18) = 36

4. −3+−8=−11 (−3)(−8) = 24
5. −2 + −4=−6 (−2) (−4) = 8

Practice Task 2:
1. ( + 2) ( + 7) 4. ( + 7) ( − 5)

2. ( + 3) ( + 8) 5. ( − 14) ( + 3)

34
3. ( − 2) ( − 4)
Practice Task 3:
1.
2.
Prime
(2 + ) (18 + )
3. (21 − ) (2 − )
4. ( +4 )( +6 )
5. ( −7 )( −7 )

Assignment:2
1. + +15
= 8 or = {8,16}
= 16

3.
2. = {−19,19, −8,8, −1,1} or = ±19, ±8, ±1
= {−11, 11, −4,4, −1,1} or = ±11, ±4, ±1

Case 2: 2
+ + when ≠1

Practice Task 1:

1. 2 2
+ 11 + 12 2 11 12

2. 7 2
+ 10 − 8 7 10 −

3. 6 2
+ − 12 6 1 −1

4. 3 2
+ 10 + 3 3 10 3

5. 15 2
+ −2 15 1 −

Practice Task 2:
1. ( + 2) (3 + 1)
2. ( − 2) (5 + 1)
3. (2 − 3) (2 + 1)
4. (2 + 3) (2 + 1)
5. (2 − 5) (3 − 1)

Practice Task 3:
1. ( + 4) (2 + 3)
2. ( + 2) (7 − 4)
3. (2 + 3) (3 − 4)
4. ( + 3) (3 + 1)
5. (5 + 2) (3 − 1)

Assignment:
1. (3 + 1) (3 + 1)/(3 + 1)²

35
2.
3.
(5 + 3)(2 − 1)
3( − 3) ( − 1)

Post Test:
A.
1. 7 6. 5(2 − 5)

2. c³ 7. 18 ³(2 + 7)

3. 9 ² 8. (45−7+7)

4. 13 9. 6 3(3 2 + 2 + 1)

5. Prime polynomial 10. 12 2( 2

− 6 − 10)

1 1
2.
6
4. 0.6
B. 1. 4 3. 5.
9
6

6. ( + 11)( − 11)
7. (8 + 1)(8 − 1)
8. (7 2 + 6 2)(7 2 − 6 2)
9. (+)(−)
10. 4 3(3 + 2 )(3 − 2 )

C.
1.
2.
9
64 ³

3.
4.
Difference of 2 cubes
−4
24
5. − 23+6
6. (2 + )(4 2 − 2 + ²)
7. ( − 3 )( 2 + 3 + 9 2)
8. ( + 6)( 2 −2 6 + 36)
9. (5 − )(25 + 5 + )
2
10. (3 + 5 )(9 − 15 + 25 2)

D.
1. Not a perfect square Trinomial
2. Perfect square Trinomial
3. Perfect square Trinomial
4. Not a perfect square Trinomial
5.
6.
Not a perfect Square Trinomial
(4+ )2
7. ( − 10)2
8. (1 + 3 )2
9. (9− )2
10. (7 − 6)2

36
 E.
1. ( + 1) ( + 2) 6. ( − )( −2 )

2. ( + 5) ( − 1) 7. ( −3 )( + )

3. ( − 1) ( − 7) 8. ( −5 )( +2 )

4. ( − 8) ( + 5) 9. ( −3 )( −5 )

5. ( − 4) ( − 7) 10. ( − 2 ) ( − 10 )

F.
1. N 6. ( + 3)

2. Y 7. (2 − 3)

3. Y 8. ( + 2)

4. Y 9. ( − 3)

5. N 10. (3 − 4)

References:
Alfrez, M and Alfrez G. (2004). MSA Elementary Algebra. MSA
Publishing House Philippines
Oronce, O. and Mendoza M. (2003). Exploring Mathematics. Rex
Book Store. Manila, Philippines
Torreliza, E. et.al. (1999). Moving Ahead with Mathematica II. FNB
Educational Inc., Philippines

37