Lesson Plan

Factor a polynomial completely over the integers by extracting the greatest common factor first (including a variable or negative GCF) and then choosing the pattern from the term count and form, or conclude that it does not factor

Factor a two-term polynomial as a difference of squares (including repeated application, as in $x^4 - 16$) or a sum or difference of cubes, and explain why a sum of squares such as $x^2 + 49$ has no real linear factors

Factor a trinomial: a perfect square by the $2ab$ test, a monic trinomial by the factor pair of $c$ that sums to $b$ in all four sign cases, and a non-monic trinomial by the $ac$-method

Factor a four-term polynomial by grouping, and diagnose a failed pairing

A 508. Factor simple quadratics (e.g., the difference of squares and perfect square trinomials) A 404. Multiply two binomials A 601. Manipulate expressions and equations N 401. Exhibit knowledge of elementary number concepts such as rounding, the ordering of decimals, pattern identification, primes, and greatest common factor