Kuta Software Factoring Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms related to factoring polynomials, including GCF, grouping, and degrees of polynomials.

Factoring

The process of expressing a polynomial as a product of its factors.

Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

The largest factor shared by all terms of a polynomial; used as a first step in factoring.

Quadratic Trinomial

A three-term polynomial of the form ax^2 + bx + c; factors into two binomials when possible.

Factor by Grouping

A method for factoring four-term polynomials by grouping terms into pairs and factoring out common factors.

Four-Term Polynomial

A polynomial with four terms; often factored by grouping to create a common binomial factor.

Complete Factorization

Expressing a polynomial as a product of irreducible factors over the integers, with no further factoring possible.

Monomial

A polynomial with a single term, such as 5x^2.

Binomial

A polynomial with two terms, such as x^2 - 9.

Trinomial

A polynomial with three terms, such as x^2 + 3x + 2.

Zero-Product Property

If a product equals zero, at least one factor must be zero; used to solve equations after factoring.