Polynomials : Factoring polynomials by grouping Quiz

This quiz focuses on factoring polynomials by grouping when there are four terms. Starting with a polynomial with four terms, you group terms and remove common factors. This will produce a polynomial with two parts, each having a common factor, which can be factored out. Note that not all polynomials with four terms can be factored by grouping.

Example: Factor by grouping x^3 + x^2 + 2x + 2
We can group terms to give x^3 + x^2 and 2x + 2. Then we can separately factor x^3 + x^2 and 2x + 2.

x^3 + x^2 can be factored to give x^2(x + 1)
and 2x + 2 can be factored to give 2(x + 1)
Then since (x+1) is the common factor, it can be factored out.

Therefore,
x^3 + x^2 + 2x + 2
= x^2(x + 1) + 2(x + 1)
= (x + 1) (x^2 + 1)