Lesson 7: 8-5 Using the Distributive Property

What is always the first step when factoring a polynomial?
When factoring by grouping, what must be true about the common factor?
How can you check that you have correctly factored a polynomial?

factoring
factoring by grouping
Zero Product Property

A.SSE.2 Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it.

Prep. for A.SSE.3a Factor a quadratic expression to reveal the zeros of the function it defines.

SAT questions related to multiplying binomials: 4-3-5, 6-3-15, 4-4-28, 5-4-35, 8-3-5, 1-3-15; factoring: 5-3-4, 3-3-7

The Distributive Property is used to find the product of a monomial and a polynomial. Reverse the process to factor a polynomial whose terms have a GCF. If the polynomials has four or more terms, factor by grouping.

The cost of rent for Mr. Cole's store is determined by the square footage of the space. The area of the store can be modeled by the expression 1.6w^2+6w, where w is the width of the store in feet. We can use factoring to simplify the expression.

Remind students that it is easy to confuse signs when factoring trinomials. To help prevent these mistakes, suggest that students use FOIL to check the factors.

If students have trouble factoring quadratic expressions then you may wish to allow students to use algebra tiles.

Practice: Exercises 1 -14

Exercises 57-65

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