Introduction to Polynomial Factoring and Greatest Common Factor

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, rules, and terms related to polynomial distribution, exponent rules, and Greatest Common Factor (GCF) factoring.

Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

The greatest number that divides into two numbers.

Factor

One of two or more numbers or expressions that are multiplied together to produce a given product.

GCF of Variable Terms Rule

When looking for the greatest common factor of variable terms, the GCF is always the term with the smallest exponent.

Negative Leading Term Rule

The factoring rule specifying that if the first (leading) term in a polynomial expression is negative, a negative GCF must be pulled out.

Multiplying Terms with Exponents Rule

The exponent rule stating that when multiplying algebraic terms with exponents, you add the exponents together.

Six Factoring Topics

The six unit factoring topics: GCF, factor by grouping, factoring trinomials with leading coefficients of $1$, factoring trinomials with leading coefficients greater than $1$, special forms, and putting it all together.

Polynomial Exponent Ordering

The standard force-of-habit convention of arranging the terms of a polynomial in order from largest exponent to smallest exponent.