Factoring-Box Method
Factoring-Box Method
***If “a” is negative, factor out a negative one before starting this process.
Other factor
(with sign Last term
and variable)
4. Factor out the common factor from the top row and place it beside the box next to
the first term.
5. Factor out the common factor from the bottom row and place it beside the box
next to the “other factor.”
6. Factor out the common factor from the left column and place it on top of the box
above the first term.
7. Factor out the common factor from the right column and place it on top of the box
above the “one factor.”
8. Put together your answer.
Example: Factor 2 x 2 + x − 6 .
We know a = 2, b = 1, and c = -6, so ac = -12.
Find factors of -12 that add up to 1. They are -3 and 4. Draw the following box:
2x2 -3x
+4x -6
It’s ok if the 4x and -3x are switched….you will still get the right answer. Now do
the factoring from steps 4-7 above….
2x -3
x 2x2 -3x
+2 +4x -6