Special Factoring Techniques

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A series of free, online Basic Algebra Lessons.

In this lesson we will learn

• how to factor perfect square trinomials.
• how to factor trinomials by grouping.

Special Cases: Factoring Perfect Square Trinomials

One special case when trying to factor polynomials is a perfect square trinomial. Unlike a difference of perfect squares, perfect square trinomials are the result of squaring a binomial. It's important to recognize the form of perfect square trinomials so that we can easily factor them without going through the steps of factoring trinomials, which can be very time consuming.
Factoring Perfect Square Trinomials - Ex 1 Factoring Perfect Square Trinomials - Ex 2

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Factoring Perfect Square Trinomials - Ex 3

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Special Cases: Factoring Trinomials by Grouping

Sometimes we can use factoring trinomials by grouping terms with common factors. Being able to recognize terms that share a common factor and grouping them is a skill that will be used often throughout upper-level math. While factoring trinomials by grouping can work, it's important to keep in mind how to factor trinomials using the usual methods.
Factoring Trinomials: Factor by Grouping - ex 1 Factoring Trinomials: Factor by Grouping - ex 2

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