Question

Definition: this is the first step used when factoring a polynomial consisting of four terms.

Answer 1

The answer that best fits this definition is called Grouping 

Answer 2

Answer: The first step in factoring a polynomial consisting is four terms is grouping

Explanation: For grouping you have to:

Rearrange the terms so that the exponents are in decreasing order, if they aren't already.  Group the first two and the last two terms together. (x3 + 3x2) + (2x + 6) . Factor each of the two groups separately. Factor the common factor out of the two groups. Check the two factors to see if they can be factored further.