Activity (Process)

Factoring a Four-Term Polynomial by Grouping Three Terms

When factoring a polynomial with four terms, the standard method is to group the terms in pairs. However, if three of the terms form a perfect square trinomial, a different grouping strategy must be applied. First, group the three terms that form the perfect square trinomial and factor them into the square of a binomial. This step converts the four-term polynomial into a two-term expression. If the fourth term is a perfect square that is being subtracted, the resulting expression is a difference of squares. Finally, factor this difference of squares as the product of conjugates. This advanced grouping strategy combines the perfect square trinomial pattern and the difference of squares pattern to completely factor the polynomial.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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Ch.6 Factoring - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

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