Final answer:
Factoring a polynomial involves breaking it down into its simplest form by finding the prime factors that can be multiplied together to obtain the original polynomial. This can be done by following a step-by-step process or using a calculator's function for factoring polynomials.
Step-by-step explanation:
Solution A: Polynomial Factoring with Steps
Factoring a polynomial involves breaking it down into its simplest form by finding the prime factors that can be multiplied together to obtain the original polynomial. Here are the steps to factor a polynomial:
- Step 1: Identify the degree of the polynomial.
- Step 2: Determine the possible factors.
- Step 3: Use synthetic division or long division to factor the polynomial.
- Step 4: Check the factored form for accuracy.
- Step 5: Write the factored form of the polynomial.
Solution B: Using a Calculator
If you have a TI-83, TI-83+, or TI-84 calculator, you can also use the calculator's function to factor polynomials. Here are the steps:
- Step 1: Enter the polynomial into the calculator.
- Step 2: Access the function for factoring polynomials.
- Step 3: Follow the calculator's prompts to factor the polynomial.
- Step 4: Check the factored form for accuracy.
- Step 5: Write the factored form of the polynomial.