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Section 8.3 Deliberate Practice: Factor by Grouping

Algebra is a skill, which means it requires practice to become proficient. But it will take more than rote repetition to get there. Deliberate practice is the thoughtful repetition of a task. For each of these sections, you will be given a list of specific skills or ideas to focus on as you practice thinking through the problems.

Focus on these skills:

  • Write the original expression.

  • Visualize the grids, but try to do the calculations without drawing them.

  • Present your work legibly.

Worksheet Worksheet

Instructions: Factor by grouping.

1.

Factor \(x^2 + 3x - 2x - 6\) by grouping.

2.

Factor \(x^2 - 5x + 3x - 15\) by grouping.

3.

Factor \(x^2 - 2x - 4x + 8\) by grouping.

4.

Factor \(x^2 + 4x + 3x + 12\) by grouping.

5.

Factor \(2x^2 - 8x - 3x + 12\) by grouping.

6.

Factor \(2x^2 + 5x - 4x - 10\) by grouping.

7.

Factor \(3x^2 - 6x - 7x + 14\) by grouping.

8.

Factor \(x^3 + 3x^2 - 2x - 6\) by grouping.

9.

Factor \(2x^3 - 3x^2 - 6x + 9\) by grouping.

10.

Factor \(x^3 - 4x^2 + 4x - 16\) by grouping.