How to Factor by Grouping (Algebra Factoring Tutorial)
In this video, I will teach you how to factor by grouping. Factoring is not always possible for higher order polynomials, but when it is, factoring by grouping is often an efficient way to go about the process.
To factor by grouping, you are really just expanding on the idea of finding greatest common factors. The 4 terms are split into half, and you find the GCF of each side. From there, you should get two sets of parentheses that match. If they don't match, then the polynomial either won't factor, or you have factored incorrectly. Often times students will notice that the terms in the factored binomials match with the exception of the signs being switched. If the signs are switched, you can try factoring out a negative, which will change both signs in the factored binomial, which should make the binomials match. When the binomials match, you treat this as a GCF, and write them out front in parentheses, with the GCFs for these binomials in a second set of parentheses.
I hope this video was helpful for you! If you have questions about factoring by grouping or have a problem that has you stumped, let me know in the comments below and I will be happy to help you! Be sure to hit that like button and subscribe to Old School Math for more helpful instructional videos!