When is a binomial not factorable

Move all the terms to the same side of the equation, add like terms and order the terms from highest to lowest exponent. Factor out the greatest common factor, if there is one. The GCF may be a constant, a variable or a combination. Use the appropriate equation to factor a difference of squares or a difference or sum of cubes.

Set the equation equal to zero for each set of parentheses in the fully-factored binomial. Solve each equation to get a solution to the binomial. Check your solutions by plugging each one into the original binomial. If each calculation results in zero, the solution is correct. Some binomials have repeat solutions. George C. Oct 21, Explanation: It is a common error and one that I have made myself to think that just because a polynomial has no Real zeros and therefore no linear factors with Real coefficients , that it has no factors with Real coefficients.

Related questions What is Factoring Completely? How do you know when you have completely factored a polynomial? Which methods of factoring do you use to factor completely?

How do you find the two numbers by using the factoring method, if one number is seven more than See all questions in Factoring Completely. Impact of this question views around the world. You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License.

These types of cubed binomial expressions must be written in the following format:. In this expression, a and b represent coefficients. Like any other binomial, this cubed expression has to include at least one variable, such as x , to be factorable. The factored form will be separated into a two-term expression and a three-term expression:. If so, a will equal the cubed root of 27, and b will equal the cubed root of Binomials are part of a larger group of expressions called polynomials.

Other examples of polynomials are monomials, an expression with only one term, and trinomials , an expression with three terms.

Here are examples of each:. In order to factor trinomials, you have to find a common factor between all three terms. By simplifying a two-term expression, you're putting your knowledge of greatest common denominators and square roots to work. And though factoring binomials takes practice, mastering it makes it easier to factor more complex polynomial expressions.