FACTORING POLYNOMIALS

Factoring polynomials involves multiple techniques. One of the most important skills in factoring polynomials is recognizing the type of polynomial you are given and identifying the best and most efficient method that can be used to factor it. The important factoring techniques that you must master to do well on this lesson are 

1. Factoring by Grouping
2. Difference of Squares
3. Sum and Difference of Cubes
4. Rational Roots theorem and synthetic division

Remainder Theorem:
If a polynomial P(x) is divided by a linear polynomial (x-a), the remainder is f(a).
Factor Theorem:
For any polynomial P(x), (x-a) is a factor if and only if P(a)=0 [Remainder =0]