8

MATHEMATICS 8
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Factoring Polynomials

Self-Learning Module
 FACTORS
1 OF POLYNOMIALS

WHAT I NEED TO
KNOW
This module is about understanding of key concepts of factors of polynomials. You will learn
the different techniques in factoring the different types of polynomials such as polynomials with
common monomial factor, difference of two squares and perfect square trinomials. As you go over
the different activities you will apply your knowledge and skills related to factors of polynomials in
formulating and solving real- life problems.

This module has 3 lessons:

Lesson 1: Factoring polynomials with common monomial factor

Lesson 2: Factoring the difference of two squares
Lesson 3: Factoring the perfect square trinomials

OBJECTIVES

After using this module, you are expected to learn:

1. factor completely different types of polynomials (polynomials with common monomial

factor, difference of two squares, sum and difference of two cubes, perfect square
trinomials, and general trinomials).
2. Determine the process of factoring to be used in the expression
3. demonstrate appreciation of factoring polynomials

LEARNING COMPETENCIES

▪ Factor completely different types of polynomials (polynomials with common monomial

factor, difference of two squares, sum and difference of two cubes, perfect square
trinomials, and general trinomials).

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 WHAT I KNOW

Directions: Read each item carefully. Encircle the letter of your answer.

1. What is the greatest common factor of 4c3 – 12c4 ?

A. 4
B. 4c
C. 4c2
D. 4c3

2. What is the factored form of x2 - 9?

A. (x + 3)(x + 3)
B. (x + 3)(x – 3)
C. (x – 3)(x – 3)
D. (x + 9)(x – 9)

3. Which of the following expressions CANNOT be factored?

A. 5m – 45
B.h2 – 16
C. d2 + 36
D. w3 – 8

4. What is the factored form of 24m2 + 32m3?

A. 12 m2 (2 + 3m)
B. 12 m3 (2m + 3)
C. 8m2 (3 + 4m)
D. 8m3 (3m + 4)

5. Which of the following are the factors of w2 + 4w + 4?

A. (w – 2)2
B. (w + 2)2
C. (w + 2)(w – 2)
D. (w + 4)2

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 LESSON 1
Factoring Polynomials with Common Monomial Factor

WHAT’S IN

Activity 1.
A. Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the set of numbers below.
An example is done for you.

1. 4,6
Example: 12,24
Factors

12 -> 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
24 -> 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24
Common factors: 1,2,3,4,6,12
2. 12, 18, 36
GCF: 12

B. Multiply using distributive property.

1. 3 ( y2 – 2 )
Example:
m ( 4m – 3 )
1st: m • (4m) = 4m•m = 4m2
2nd : m • (-3) = -3m
Product: 4m2 - 3m

2. 5h2 (2r + 3t – 7)

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 WHAT’S NEW

Activity 2.
Identify the common things that are present in the three pictures and not common
to the other two pictures. Complete the table below.

Common Things Things NOT common on other two pictures

1st picture: _triangle, circle, hexagon___

2nd Picture: ____________________

3rd Picture: ____________________

WHAT IS IT

The previous activity gave us the idea about factoring the Greatest Common
Monomial Factor that is present in every term of the polynomial. Study the following examples
which illustrate the steps in factoring the Greatest Common Monomial Factor.

Example 1.
Factor 4cd + 8cf
Solution:
a. Find the Greatest Common Monomial Factor through prime
factorization.
4cd = 2 • 2 • c•d
8cf = 2 • 2 • 2 • c • f
----------------------------------
GCF = 2 • 2 • c Bring down all common factors

The Greatest Common Monomial Factor is 4c.

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 b. Based from the solution in (a), identify the not common factor in each term.

Term Prime factorization Not common

4cd 2•2•c•d d
8cf 2•2•2•c• f 2f
or divide the polynomial by its GCF, the resulting quotient is the other factor:
4𝑐𝑑 8𝑐𝑓
+ = 𝑑 + 2𝑓
4𝑐 4𝑐

c. Write the factored form of 4cd + 8cf.

4cd + 8cf = 4c ( d + 2f )

Example 2.

Factor 12 x2y3 – 15 x3y2

Solution:
a. Find the Greatest Common Monomial Factor through prime factorization.
12x2y3 = 2•2•3• x•x• y•y•y
-15x3y2 = -1 • 3•5•x•x•x•y•y
----------------------------------------------------------------

GCF = 3• x•x• y•y Bring down all common

factors
The Greatest Common Monomial Factor is 3x2y2.

b. To completely factor the given polynomial, identify the not common factor in each
term;

Term Prime factorization Not common

12 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 2•2•3•x•x•y•y•y 4y
15 𝑥 3 𝑦 2 -1 • 3 • 5 • x • x • x • y • y - 5x

or divide the polynomial by its GCF, the resulting quotient is the other factor.
12𝑥 2 𝑦 3 15𝑥 3 𝑦 2
− = 𝟒𝐲 − 𝟓𝐱
3𝑥 2 𝑦 3 3𝑥 2 𝑦 3

c. Write the factored form of 12 x2y3 – 15 x3y2.

12 x2y3 – 15 x3y2 = 3x2y2 ( 4y – 5x).

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 Activity 3.

Complete the table below.

Polynomial Greatest Common Quotient of Factored Form

Monomial Factor Polynomial and CMF
(CMF)

w+6
5w + 30

7y2
7y2 + 21y3
6a2b3 ( a – 4b2)
6a3b3 – 24 a2b5

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Steps in factoring the Greatest Common Monomial Factor (CMF):

1. Find the Greatest Common Monomial Factor (CMF) through prime

factorization or find the greatest common factor of the numerical coefficients
and the variable with the least exponent that appears in each term of the
polynomial.
2. To get the other factor, divide the polynomial by its CMF.

WHAT’S MORE

Activity 4.
A. Find the Greatest Common Monomial Factor of each expression below.

1. 20r + 45 2. 18bc2 – 24b2c

B.Give the factored form of each polynomial.

3. 27n – 9t 4. 12mn + 30m2n3

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 LESSON 2
Factoring the Difference of Two Squares

WHAT’S IN

Activity 1.
A. Multiply the following polynomials using FOIL method. An example is done for you.

Example:
(m–n)(m + n)

FOIL METHOD
First : m•m = m2 m2 + mn – mn - n2 = m2 - n2
Outside: m•n = mn
Inside: -n •m = -nm or -mn ( m – n ) ( m + n ) = m2 - n 2
Last: -n•n = -n2

1. ( x – y) (x + y) 2. ( z + 3) (z - 3)

WHAT’S NEW

Activity 2.
Observe how the polynomials below are factored and answer the questions that
follow.

w2 – y2 = ( w + y) (w – y) 4 – a2 = ( 2 + a) (2 – a)

r2 – 25 = ( r – 5 ) ( r + 5 ) 4d2 – 1 = ( 2d + 1) (2d – 1 )

Questions:
1. Is the first term of each polynomial a perfect square?
2. Is the second term of each polynomial a perfect square?
3. What is the middle sign of each polynomial?
4. What is the name of the polynomial?
5. Is there a pattern in factoring each polynomial?
6. How was the polynomial factored?

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 WHAT IS IT

The previous activity gave us the idea about factoring the difference of two
squares. Study the following examples which illustrate the steps in factoring the
difference of two squares.

Example 1:

Factor p2 – r2
Solution:
a) Get the square root of the first term.
The square root of p2 is p.
b) Get the square of the second term.
The square root of r2 is r.
c) Write the factors as the product of sum and difference of the square roots of the
first term and second term respectively.
The factors are ( p + r) (p – r).

Thus, the factors of p2 – r2 = ( p + r) (p – r).

Example 2.
Factor 4m2 – 25

Solution:

a) Get the square root of the first term.

The square root of 4m2 is 2m.
b) Get the square of the second term.
The square root of 25 is 5.
c) Get the square of the second term.
The square root of 25 is 5.
d) Write the factors as the product of sum and difference of the square roots of the
first term and second term respectively.
The factors are ( 2m + 5) (2m – 5).

Thus, the factors of 4m2 – 25 = ( 2m + 5) (2m – 5).

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 WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Steps in factoring the Difference of Two Squares:

1. Get the square root of the first term.

2. Get the square root of the second term.
3. Write the factors as the product of sum and difference of the square
roots of the first term and second term respectively.

WHAT’S MORE

Activity 3.
Factor each polynomial.

1. k2 – t2 = ___________________ 3. 36 – h2 = ___________________

2. v2 – 49 = ___________________ 4. 9d2 – 64 = ___________________

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 LESSON 3
Factoring the Perfect Square Trinomial

WHAT’S IN

Activity 1.
A. Multiply the following polynomials using FOIL method. An example is done for you.

Example:
(m+n)(m + n)

FOIL METHOD
First : m•m = m2 m2 + mn + mn + n2 = m2 + 2mn + n2
Outside: m•n = mn
Inside: n •m = nm or mn ( m + n ) ( m + n ) = m2 + 2mn + n2
Last: n•n = n2

1. ( x + y) (x + y) 2. ( c + 3) (c + 3)

B. Study the geometrical model below illustrating the square of a binomial ( a + b) 2 or (a+
b)(a +b). Answer the questions below.

a b Questions:
1. How many figures formed inside the blue square at the left?
2. What are these figures?
a a•a a•b 3. Using the its sides, find the area of each figure.
Green = __________Yellow = ___________
Yellow = __________ Red = _____________
4. Find the sum of the areas of the figure and simplify.
b•a b•b 5. What is the name of the product when you square a
b
binomial?

A perfect square trinomial is the result of squaring a binomial. A perfect square trinomial
has first and last terms which are perfect squares and a middle term which is twice the
product of the square root of the first and last terms. It may be represented in the form:

x2 + 2xy + y2 or x2 - 2xy + y2

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 WHAT’S NEW

Activity 2.

Identify if each trinomial below is a perfect square. Write PS if it is a perfect square

and N for not.

1. w2 + 2wy + y2 ______ 4. b2 - 3b + 9 _____

2. r2 + 10r + 25 ______ 5. p2 + 2p + 1 _____

3. m2 – 4m + 4 ______ 6. 2x2 + 2xy + y2 _____

WHAT IS IT

Study the following examples which illustrate the steps in factoring the
PERFECT SQUARE TRINOMIAL.

Example 1:

Factor p2 – 2pr + r2

Solution:
a) Identify first if the given polynomial is a perfect square trinomial.
Since the first term p2 and last term r2 are both perfect square and 2pr is twice
the product of the square roots of the first and last term, then the given expression
is a perfect square trinomial.
b) Get the square of the first term.
The square root of p2 is p.
c) Get the square of the last term term.
The square root of r2 is r.
d) The sign of the middle term of the trinomial determines the sign of the binomial
factor.
The sign of the middle term is (-).

Thus, the factors of p2 – 2pr + r2 = ( p - r)2 or p2 – 2pr + r2 = ( p - r) ( p - r).

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 Example 2:

Factor k2 + 6k + 9

Solution:

a) Identify first if the given polynomial is a perfect square trinomial.

Since the first term k2 and last term 9 are both perfect square and
2(3)k = 6k is twice the product of the square roots of the first and last term,
then the given expression is a perfect square trinomial.
b) Get the square of the first term.
The square root of k2 is k.
c) Get the square of the last term term.
The square root of 9 is 3.
d) The sign of the middle term of the trinomial determines the sign of the
binomial factor.
The sign of the middle term is (+).

Thus, the factors of k2 + 6k + 9= ( k+ 3 )2.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Steps in factoring the Perfect Square Trinomial:

1. Identify first if the given expression is a perfect square trinomial.

2. Get the square root of the first term.
3. Get the square root of the last term.
4. The sign of the middle term of the trinomial determines the sign of the
binomial factor.

WHAT’S MORE

Activity 3.
Factor each polynomial.

1. b2 –2bc + c2 2. n2 + 2nr + r2

3. h2 – 8h + 16 4. 4v2 + 4v + 1

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 ASSESSMENT

Directions: Read each item carefully. Encircle the letter of your answer.

1. What is the greatest common factor of 6n2 – 18n4 ?

A. 6
B. 6n
C. 6n2
D. 6n3

2. Which of the following expressions CANNOT be factored?

A. v3 – 27
B. 11n – 22p
C. 3b + 5c
D. c2 + 7c.

3. Which of the following are the factors of c2 + 12c + 36?

A. (c + 2)2
B. (c + 3)2
C. (c + 6)2
D. (c + 12)2

4. What is the factored form of y2 – z2?

A. (y + z)(y + z)
B. (y + z)(y – z)
C. (y – z)(y – z)
D. (z – y )(y + z)

5. Which of the following is the factored form of 18 w2x – 27 w2y?

A. 9 (w2x - 3w2y )
B. 9 w2( x – 3y)
C. 9w (2wx – 3wy )
D. 9 w2( 2x – 3y)

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION | DIVISION OF MANDAUE CITY
Quezon City, Philippines, (2002)
De Leon, M. & Bernabe, J. Elemenentary Algebra Textbook for First Year. JTW Corporation.
Understanding By Design Mathematics 1. Department of Education
Mathematics –Grade 8 Learner’s Module. Department of Education
REFERENCES:
Pre-Test
2. B 4. C
Lesson 1
What’s In
A. 2) 6 B. 2) 10h2r + 15h2t – 35h2
What’s New
Common Things Things NOT common on other two
pictures
Heart, Star 2nd Picture: diamond, circle, square
What is it
Polynomial Greatest Common Quotient of Factored Form
Monomial Factor Polynomial and
(CMF) CMF
7y2 + 21y3 7y2 1 + 3y 7y2(1 + 3y)
What’s More
A. 2) 6bc B. 4) 6mn(2 + 5mn2)
Lesson 2 Lesson 3
What’s In What’s In (Activity 1)
2) z2 - 9 A. 2) c2 + 6c + 9
What’s New B. 2) 2 squares, 2 rectangles
2) Yes 4) a2 + 2ab + b2
4) Difference of two squares What’s New (Activity 2)
What’s More 2) PS 4) N
2) (v + 7)(v – 7) What’s More (Activity 3)
4) (3d + 8)(3d – 8) 2) (n + r) 2 4) (2v + 1)2
Assessment
2. C 4. B
ANSWER KEY
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Division of Mandaue City
Plaridel St., Centro, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines 6014
Telephone Nos.: (032) 345 – 0545 | (032) 505 – 6337
E-mail Address: mandaue.city001@deped.gov.ph
Website: https://depedmandaue.net

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