In this topic, you will learn to perform operations on and then simplify a new type of algebraic terms called rational expressions. In many instances, this will require you to factor polynomials. Let’s review some fundamental factoring techniques:

• The first step in factoring is to identify and factor out the Greatest Common Factor (GCF).
  
  
• If the polynomial is a binomial, check to see if it is the difference of two perfect square terms, having the pattern , the sum two cubes (, or the difference of two cubes .
  
  
• If the polynomial is a trinomial, look for either a perfect square trinomial or ; or the general trinomial ().

Now refresh your factoring skills on these polynomials. Click here to access the review.