MATH 008

Introduction to Factoring

1.0 hours lecture per week.
Associate Degree Non-Applicable.
Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 007 or equivalent.
Introduces the student to methods of factoring polynomials. Presents the topic from geometric, numeric and algebraic perspectives. Multi-sensory approaches will include manipulatives and graphing. Students should have proficiency in whole number arithmetic skills, including positives and negatives and knowledge of procedures for solving simple linear equations.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Multiply polynomials of the following forms:

· monomial times a monomial

· monomial times a polynomial

· polynomial times a polynomial

2. Factor polynomials using the following:

· greatest common factor

· grouping

· trinomial techniques:

· coefficient of x² is 1

· coefficient of x² is not 1

· binomial techniques:

· difference of squares

· sum and difference of cubes