You can factor polynomials using the 2 general methods:
a) by using GCF
b) by grouping
By using GCF:
Simply find the GCF
ex:
a) 8x+24
8(x+3)
Since 8 is the GCF of this you divide each term by the GCF which is 8.
b) 2x(a+b)-y(a+b)
(2x-y)(a+b)
Since (a+b) is common on the two terms. You combine them as one. Then combining the term outside of each parenthesis.
By grouping
ex:
a) ac+ad+bc+bd
(ac+ad)+(bc+bd)
a(c+d)+b(c+d)
(a+b)(c+d) or (c+d)(a+b) either way it's the same
Group the term with each something common in it. Like, (ac+ad) a is the common thing. Then start doing GCF.
See the pattern? Factoring is easy, you just need a lot of practice.
Hoped I helped
