Question

A polynomial has two terms. Check all of the factoring methods that should be considered.

Answer 1

A, B, C, and D,,,,,,,,,,,,

Answer 2

Suppose that a polynomial has two terms. Consider following methods and polynomials for which these methods can be applied.

A. Common factor. For example, if a polynomial is of form

$ax^n+bx^m,$ where $n>m,$  then you can factor it in the following way

$ax^n+bx^m=x^m(ax^{n-m}+b).$

B. Difference of cubes.  For example, if a polynomial is of form

$x^3-a^3,$ then it can be factored as

$(x-a)(x^2+ax+a^2).$

C. Sum of cubes.  For example, if a polynomial is of form

$x^3+a^3,$ then it can be factored as

$(x+a)(x^2-ax+a^2).$

D. Difference of squares.  For example, if a polynomial is of form

$x^2-a^2,$ then it can be factored as

$(x-a)(x+a).$

E and F methods require more then two terms.

Answer: A, B, C and D