Scribd
Upload
10 views3 pages

Factoring Quadratics

Uploaded by

fidelcastrothegreat22
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
10 views3 pages

Factoring Quadratics

Uploaded by

fidelcastrothegreat22
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Factoring Any Quadratic Equation Without Guessing

Factoring a quadratic equation without guessing involves using systematic methods.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Standard Form of a Quadratic Equation:

ax^2 + bx + c = 0

where a, b, and c are constants.

Steps for Factoring:

1. Check for Common Factors (GCF):

Before factoring the quadratic, look for any greatest common factor (GCF) among the terms.

If there is one, factor it out first.

2. Use the AC Method (Splitting the Middle Term):

The AC method works well for factoring quadratics systematically.

a. Multiply a and c:

Compute AC = a * c.

b. Find Two Numbers that Multiply to AC and Add to b:

Let the numbers be p and q such that:

p * q = AC and p + q = b

c. Rewrite the Middle Term:


Replace bx with px + qx:

ax^2 + px + qx + c

d. Factor by Grouping:

Group terms and factor each group:

(ax^2 + px) + (qx + c)

Factor out the common terms from each group:

x(mx + n) + k(mx + n)

e. Write the Final Factored Form:

Combine the common factors:

(mx + n)(kx + r)

3. Use the Quadratic Formula for Roots:

If factoring is complex or not possible, use the quadratic formula to find roots:

x = (-b ± sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / (2a)

Then write the factors as:

a(x - x1)(x - x2)

where x1 and x2 are the roots.

4. Perfect Square Trinomial or Difference of Squares:

- For ax^2 + bx + c where b^2 = 4ac, check if it's a perfect square trinomial:

a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = (a + b)^2

- For a^2 - b^2, use:

a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)


Example:

Factor 6x^2 + 11x + 4 using the AC method:

1. Multiply a and c:

AC = 6 * 4 = 24.

2. Find p and q:

Numbers that multiply to 24 and add to 11 are 8 and 3.

3. Rewrite the equation:

6x^2 + 8x + 3x + 4

4. Group terms:

(6x^2 + 8x) + (3x + 4)

5. Factor each group:

2x(3x + 4) + 1(3x + 4)

6. Combine factors:

(2x + 1)(3x + 4)

Answer: (2x + 1)(3x + 4).

You might also like