Chapter 9
Factoring Basics
Factoring algebraic expressions is one of the most important techniques you'll practice. Not much else can be done in terms of solving equations, graphing functions and conics, and working on applications if you can't pull out a common factor and simplify an expression. Factoring changes an expression of two or more terms into one big product, which is really just one term. Having everything multiplied together allows for finding common factors in two or more expressions and reducing fractions. It also allows for the application of the multiplication property of zero. Factoring is crucial, essential, and basic to algebra.
The Problems You'll Work On
In this chapter, you work through factoring basics in the following ways:
What to Watch Out For
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you factor your way through this chapter:
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