If there is one term (example: -2x), the type of expression is called monomial.
If there is two terms (example: a² - 4b²), the type of expression is called binomial.
If there are three terms (example: 3x² - x - 4), the type of expression is called trinomial.
Constant/coefficient term is the number, variable is the letter.
One step to solve equations is to collect like terms. In this equation we can collect variable terms and constant terms as the first step of the solution.
Combine 3x - x and make 2x.
Combine -5 + 8 and make 3.
Simplify and solve this equation: 3x + 5 - x = 17 + x - x
We collect like terms on each side of the equal sign. On the left side, combining 3x and -x gives us 2x. On the right side, combing +x and -x gives us zero.
Now we solve the simplified equation.
equation: 2x + 5 = 17
subtracted 5 from both sides: 2x + 5 - 5 = 2x // 17 - 5 = 12
simplified: 2x = 12
divide 12 by 2.
Simplify and solve this equation: 5x - 17 = 2x - 5
We see an x-term on both sides of the equal sign. We may remove the x-term from either side. We choose to remove the x-term from the right side. We do this by subtracting 2x from both sides of the equation.
left side: 5x - 17 - 2x = 3x - 17
right side: 2x - 5 - 2x = -5
Now we solve the equation.
add 17 on the left side: 3x - 17 + 17 = 3x
add 17 on the right side: -5 + 17 = 12
now it's: 3x = 12
divide 12 by 3.
Solve: 3x + 2(x - 4) = 32
We first apply distributive property to clear parentheses.
equation: 3x + 2(x - 4) = 32
distributive property: 3x + 2x - 8 = 32
added 3x and 2x: 5x - 8 = 32
added 8 on both sides: 5x = 40
divide 40 by 5.
We divide terms by removing pairs of factors that equal 1.
A literal equation is an equation that contains letters instead of numbers.
We solve for x by isolating x on one side of the equal sign. We do this by taking away a from each side.
x + a - a = b - a
x = b - a
Solving for x is like saying what can we do to change this equation to make the answer x instead of b? Since this is addition, we can use the reverse, which is subtraction.
So it's basically like using the rules for solving number problems but instead there are letters.
Solving for x is like saying what can we do to change this equation to make the answer x instead of b? Since this is multiplication, we can use the reverse, which is division.
Remember that b is the bigger number, because a and x multiplied together make b, so b would be the dividend and a the divisor.
We will subtract +1 from both sides of the equal sign. Now it looks like this.
Next, we divide both sides by 3. Now it looks like this.
What two numbers multiplied together make 9? That would be 3.
Notice that there are two solutions, 3 and -3. Both solutions satisfy the equation.
We will add +1 from both sides of the equal sign. Now it looks like this.
Next, we divide both sides by 3. Now it looks like this.
What two numbers multiplied together make 16? That would be 4.
We divide both sides by 2. Now it looks like this.
What is the square root of 5? √5, -√5.
Since √5 is an irrational number, we leave it in its radical form. The negative of √5 is -√5 and not √-5.
Factor the monomial 12a²b³c.
We factor 12 as (2)(2)(3), and we factor a²b³c as aabbbc.
First, we lay the factors out.
To find the answer, we find the GCF, greatest common factor. You need to just find a pair on each side that look alike. We have circled the GCF below.
3xy is the GCF for both sides. We divide 3xy out of both sides, leaving us with..
Lastly, we put the GCF in front of it and bracket x + 2y.
Factor 6a²b + 4ab² + 2ab.
We first lay the factors out.
2 3 a a b + 2 2 a b b + 2 a b
To find the answer, we find the GCF, greatest common factor. You need to just find a pair on each side that look alike. We have circled the GCF below.
2ab is the GCF for each side. We divide 2ab out of each side, leaving us with..
Notice that the third term is 1, not zero. This is because we divided 2ab by 2ab; we did not subtract.
Remember to put the remaining terms in brackets and have the GCF in front.
Multiplying Polynomials (Calculus)
There is a single rule for multiplying polynomials.
"To multiply polynomials, multiply every term of the first polynomial by every term of the second polynomial."
4d(2 - 3d)
4d · 2 = 8d
4d · -3d = -12d²
Put it together.
8d - 12d²
x(x - 2)
x · x = x²
x · -2 = -2x
Put it together.
x² - 2x
3(x - 2)
3 · x = 3x
3 · -2 = -6
Put it together.
3x - 6
(x + 3)(x - 2)
Consider the first parentheses #1 and the second parentheses #2.
We start off by multiplying the first term in #1 (x) by the terms in #2 (x, -2).
x · x = x²
x · -2 = -2x
We do the same but with the second term in #1 (+3).
3 · x = 3x
3 · -2 = -6
Now we put it together from the order of when you multiplied them.
x² - 2x + 3x - 6
We can simplify this problem if we notice like terms.
1. There are no like terms for x², so we put x² as x².
So far: x²
2. There is a like term for -2x, which is +3x, so that would be 1x or x.
So far: x² + x
3. There are no like terms for -6, so we put -6 as -6.
Finally: x² + x - 6
(x + 4)(x + 1)
Consider the first parentheses #1 and the second parentheses #2.
We start off by multiplying the first term in #1 (x) by the terms in #2 (x, +1).
x · x = x²
x · 1 = 1x or x
We do the same but with the second term in #1 (+4).
4 · x = 4x
4 · 1 = 4
Now we put it together from the order of when you multiplied them.
x² + x + 4x + 4
We can simplify this problem if we notice like terms.
1. There are no like terms for x², so we put x² as x².
So far: x²
2. There is a like term for x, which is 4x, so that would be 5x.
So far: x² + 5x
3. There are no like terms for 4, so we put 4 as 4.
Finally: x² + 5x + 4
(a - 3)(a + 2)
Consider the first parentheses #1 and the second parentheses #2.
We start off by multiplying the first term in #1 (a) by the terms in #2 (a, +2).
a · a = a²
a · 2 = 2a
We do the same but with the second term in #1 (-3).
-3 · a = -3a
-3 · 2 = -6
Now we put it together from the order of when you multiplied them.
a² + 2a - 3a - 6
We can simplify this problem if we notice like terms.
1. There are no like terms for a², so we put a² as a².
So far: a²
2. There is a like term for 2a, which is -3a, so that would be -1a or -a.
So far: a² - a
3. There are no like terms for -6, so we put -6 as -6.
Finally: a² - a - 6
(x - y)²
(x - y) squared would look like (x - y)(x - y), so that is really the problem if you lay it out.
Consider the first parentheses #1 and the second parentheses #2.
We start off by multiplying the first term in #1 (x) by the terms in #2 (x, -y).
x · x = x²
x · -y = -xy
We do the same but with the second term in #1 (-y).
-y · x = -yx (or -xy, it's the same)
-y · -y = y²
Now we put it together from the order of when you multiplied them.
x² - xy - xy + y²
We can simplify this problem if we notice like terms.
1. There are no like terms for x², so we put x² as x².
So far: x²
2. There is a like term for -xy, which is -xy, so that would be xy².
So far: x² + xy²
3. There are no like terms for y², so we put y² as y².
Finally: x² + xy² + y²
(2h + 5)(h² + 3h - 4)
Consider the first parentheses #1 and the second parentheses #2.
We start off by multiplying the first term in #1 (2h) by the terms in #2 (h², +3h, -4).
2h · h² = 2h³
2h · 3h = 6h²
2h · -4 = -8h
We do the same but with the second term in #1 (+5).
5 · h² = 5h²
5 · 3h = 15h
5 · -4 = -20
Now we put it together from the order of when you multiplied them.
2h³ + 6h² - 8h + 5h² + 15h - 20
We can simplify this problem if we notice like terms.
1. There are no like terms for 2h³, so we put 2h³ as 2h³.
So far: 2h³
2. There is a like term for 6h², which is 5h², so that would be 11h².
So far: 2h² + 11h²
(not 11h
because we are adding, not multiplying)
3. There is a like term for -8h, which is 15h so that would be 7h.
So far: 2h² + 11h² + 7h
4. There are no like terms for -20, so we put -20 as -20.
Finally: 2h² + 11h² + 7h - 20
(-3f² + 3f - 2)(4f² - f - 6)
Consider the first parentheses #1 and the second parentheses #2.
We start off by multiplying the first term in #1 (-3f²) by the terms in #2 (4f², -f, -6).
-3f² · 4f² = -12f
-3f² · -f = 3f³
-3f² · -6 = 18f²
We do the same but with the second term in #1 (+3f).
3f · 4f² = 12f³
3f · -f = -3f²
3f · -6 = -18f
We do the same but with the third term in #1 (-2).
-2 · 4f² = -8f²
-2 · -f = 2f
-2 · -6 = 12
Now we put it together from the order of when you multiplied them.
-12f
+ 3f³ + 18f² + 12f³ - 3f² - 18f - 8f² + 2f + 12
We can simplify this problem if we notice like terms.
1. There are no like terms for -12f
2. There is a like term for 3f³, which is 12f³, so that would be 15f³.
So far: -12f
+ 15f³
3. There are two like terms for 18f², which is -3f² and -8f² so that would be 7f². (18f² - 3f² = 15f² - 8f² = 7f²)
So far: -12f
+ 15f³ + 7f²
4. There is one like term for -18f, which is 2f so that would be -16f.
So far: -12f
+ 15f³ + 7f² - 16f
5. There are no like terms for 12, so we put 12 as 12.
Finally: -12f
+ 15f³ + 7f² - 16f + 12
(3x - 2y)(x + y)
Consider the first parentheses #1 and the second parentheses #2.
We start off by multiplying the first term in #1 (+3x) by the terms in #2 (+x, +y).
3x · x = 3x²
3x · y = 3xy (or yx, it's the same)
We do the same but with the second term in #1 (-2y).
-2y · x = -2xy
-2y · y = -2y²
Now we put it together from the order of when you multiplied them.
3x² + 3xy - 2xy - 2y²
We can simplify this problem if we notice like terms.
1. There are no like terms for 3x², so we put 3x² as 3x².
So far: 3x²
2. There is one like term for 3xy, which is -2xy, so that would be 1xy or xy.
So far: 3x² + xy
3. There are no like terms for -2y², so we put -2y² as -2y².
Finally: 3x² + xy - 2y²
(3x + y - 1)(2x - 4) - (3x + 2y)²
Let's lay out the squared parentheses.
(3x + y - 1)(2x - 4) - (3x + 2y)(3x + 2y)
Consider the parentheses as #1A, #2A and #1B, #2B.
First, before we subtract, we will find the answer to #1A and #2A.
We start off by multiplying the first term in #1A (+3x) by the terms in #2A (+2x, -4).
3x · 2x = 6x²
3x · -4 = -12x
We do the same but with the second term in #1A (+y).
y · 2x = 2xy
y · -4 = -4y
We do the same but with the third term in #1A (-1)
-1 · 2x = -2x
-1 · -4 = 4
Now we put it together from the order of when you multiplied them.
6x² - 12x + 2xy - 4y - 2x + 4
We can simplify this problem if we notice like terms.
1. There are no like terms for 6x², so we put 6x² as 6x².
So far: 6x²
2. There is a like term for -12x, which is -2x, so that would be -14x.
So far: 6x² - 14x
3. There are no like terms for 2xy, -4y or 4, so we just add those in.
Finally: 6x² - 14x + 2xy - 4y + 4
We have finished parentheses #1A and #2A, now it's time for #1B and #2B.
We start off by multiplying the first term in #1B (+3x) by the terms in #2B (+3x, +2y).
3x · 3x = 9x²
3x · 2y = 6xy
We do the same but with the second term in #1B (2y).
2y · 3x = 6xy
2y · 2y = 4y²
Now we put it together from the order of when you multiplied them.
9x² + 6xy + 6xy + 4y²
We can simplify this problem if we notice like terms.
1. There are no like terms for 9x², so we put 9x² as 9x².
So far: 9x²
2. There is a like term for 6xy, which is 6xy, so that would be 12xy.
So far: 9x² + 12xy
3. There are no like terms for 4y², so we put 4y² as 4y².
Finally: 9x² + 12xy + 4y²
Now we have finished #1B and #2B. We put the final products back with the subtraction sign.
From
(3x + y - 1)(2x - 4) - (3x + 2y)(3x + 2y)
To
(6x² - 14x + 2xy - 4y + 4) - (9x² + 12xy + 4y²)
Consider the parentheses as #1 and #2.
Since this is subtraction, we turn every term in parentheses #2 that is positive to negative and the negatives to positives.
So now it's
(6x² - 14x + 2xy - 4y + 4) - (-9x² - 12xy - 4y²)
Now we simplify by collecting like terms.
1. There is a like term for 6x², which is -9x², so that would be -3x².
So far: -3x²
2. There are no like terms for -14x, so we put -14x as -14x.
So far: -3x² - 14x
3. There is a like term for 2xy, which is -12xy, so that would be -10xy.
So far: -3x² - 14x - 10xy
4. There are no like terms for -4y, 4 or -4y², so we just add those in.
Finally: -3x² - 14x - 10xy - 4y + 4 - 4y²
Short Version (for another idea of how to do the last subtraction problem above)
Equation: (2a + 1)(4a - 3) - (a - 2)(a - 2)
Multiplied the left parentheses: (8a² - 6a + 4a - 3) - (a - 2)(a - 2)
Multiplied the right parentheses: (8a² - 6a + 4a - 3) - (a² - 2a - 2a + 4)
Collected like terms on both sides: (8a² - 2a - 3) - (a² - 4a + 4)
Converted negs to pos' and vice versa on the right side: (8a² - 2a - 3) - (-a² + 4a - 4)
Collected like terms for all: (7a² + 2a - 7)
Factoring Terms (Calculus)
There are a few important rules when factoring expressions.
~Always remember to find the GCF. Greatest, not smallest.
~Even the letters have common factors.
Factor the following:
6n + 9
We first find the GCF for 6 and 9. That would be 3.
Since there's only variables in 6, we can't have a common factor of n.
Now it should look like this:
3(6n + 9)
We divide by 3.
Finally: 3(2n + 3)
6c + 4c²
We first find the GCF for 6 and 4. That would be 2.
There are variables on both sides (c), so we take the smallest value of them, which is c.
Now it should look like this:
2c(6c + 4c2)
We divide by 2c.
Finally: 2c(3 + 2c)
7x² - 49x
We first find the GCF for 7 and 49. That would be 7.
There are variables on both sides (x), so we take the smallest value of them, which is x.
Now it should look like this:
7x(7x² - 49x)
We divide by 7x.
Finally: 7x(x - 7)
16a³ + 20a²
We first find the GCF for 16 and 20. That would be 4.
There are variables on both sides (a), so we take the smallest value of them, which is a².
Now it should look like this:
4a²(16a³ + 20a²)
We divide by 4a².
Finally: 4a²(4a + 5)
5 - 10z - 5z²
We first find the GCF for 5, 5 and 10. That would be 5.
Since there's only variables in 10 and -5, we can't have a common factor of z.
Now it should look like this:
5(5 - 10z - 5z²)
We divide 5, 10z, 5² by 5.
Finally: 5(1 - 2z - z²)
6 + 12x - 18x²
We first find the GCF for 6, 12 and 18. That would be 6.
Since there's only variables in 12 and -18, we can't have a common factor of x.
Now it should look like this:
6(6 + 12x - 18x²)
We divide by 6.
Finally: 6(1 + 2x - 3x²)
14c³ + 21c² - 70c
We first find the GCF for 14, 21 and 70. That would be 7.
There are variables on all sides (c), so we take the smallest value of them, which is c.
Now it should look like this:
7c(14c³ + 21c² - 70c)
We divide by 7c.
Finally: 7c(2c² + 3c - 10)
50d³ - 60d² + 100d
We first find the GCF for 50, 60 and 100. That would be 10.
There are variables on all sides (d), so we take the smallest value of them, which is d.
Now it should look like this:
10d(50d³ - 60d² + 100d)
We divide by 10d.
Finally: 10d(5d² - 6d + 10)
45a
+ 90a³ - 27a²
We first find the GCF for 45, 90, 27. That would be 9.
There are variables on all sides (a), so we take the smallest value of them, which is a².
Now it should look like this:
9a²(45a
+ 90a³ - 27a²)
We divide by 9a².
Finally: 9a²(5a³ + 10a - 3)
-64b
We first find the GCF for 64, 16 and 32. That would be 16.
There are variables on all sides (b), so we take the smallest value of them, which is b
.
Now it should look like this:
-16b
)
Or it could look like this. The end result for both are correct.
16b
)
We divide by 16 or -16. We'll do 16.
Finally: 16b
(-4b³ - b - 2)
The other answer is -16b
(4b³ + b + 2)
-12x³y + 20xy² - 16x²y²
We first find the GCF for 12, 20 and 16. That would be 4.
There are two variables on all sides (x and y), so we take the smallest value of them, which is x and y.
Now it should look like this:
4xy(-12x³y + 20xy² - 16x²y²)
We divide by 4xy.
Finally: 4xy(-3x² + 5y - 4xy)
Factoring Simple Trinomials (Calculus)
Here are some basic trinomials multiplied.
(x + 3)(x - 2) = (x² - 2x + 3x - 6) = (x² + x - 6)
(x - 1)(x + 5) = (x² + 5x + x + 5) = (x² + 6x + 5)
(x - 1)(x + 4) = (x² + 4x - x - 4) = (x² + 3x - 4)
(x - 2)(x - 3) = (x² - 3x - 2x + 6) = (x² - 5x + 6)
You notice one thing in common. They all have at least one x² or variable squared.
If that is the case, you have a simple trinomial. Which you can solve very fast.
The terms underlined in red are called the B value.
The terms underlined in blue are called the C value.
The B value and C value go together to find the answer.
x² + x - 6
We know it's a simple trinomial because there is only one variable squared.
We look at the C value, which is -6. We list down what multiplication equations would equal -6.
1 · -6
-1 · 6
2 · -3
-2 · 3
Now we look at the B value, which is +x (or 1). Out of all of the equations that equal -6, which one would equal the sum of +x (or 1)?
That would be -2 · 3.
So we make the equation: (x - 2)(x + 3)
x² - 5x + 6
We know it's a simple trinomial because there is only one variable squared.
We look at the C value, which is +6. We list down what multiplication equations would equal +6.
1 · 6
-1 · -6
2 · 3
-2 · -3
Now we look at the B value, which is -5. Out of all of the equations that equal +6, which one would equal the sum of -5?
That would be -2 · -3.
So we make the equation: (x - 2)(x - 3)
x² + 3x + 2
We know it's a simple trinomial because there is only one variable squared.
We look at the C value, which is +2. We list down what multiplication equations would equal +2.
1 · 2
-1 · -2
Now we look at the B value, which is +3. Out of all of the equations that equal +2, which one would equal the sum of +3?
That would be 1 · 2.
So we make the equation: (x + 1)(x + 2)
x² + 7x + 6
We know it's a simple trinomial because there is only one variable squared.
We look at the C value, which is +6. We list down what multiplication equations would equal +6.
1 · 6
-1 · -6
2 · 3
-2 · -3
Now we look at the B value, which is +7. Out of all of the equations that equal +6, which one would equal the sum of +7?
That would be 1 · 6.
So we make the equation: (x + 1)(x + 6)
4t² + 16t - 128
We know it's a simple trinomial because there is only one variable squared.
But we notice that there is a number a part of the squared variable, which is 4.
So, before we factor the trinomial, we will find the GCF.
We first find the GCF for 4, 16 and 128. That would be 4.
Since there’s only variables in 4 and 16, we can’t have a common factor of t.
Now it should look like this:
4(4t² + 16t - 128)
We divide by 4.
Finally: 4(t² + 4t - 32)
4 will be staying for the rest of the problem.
Now that we simplified it, we ignore 4 out of parentheses and look at the C value, which is -32. We list down what multiplication equations would equal -32.
1 · -32
-1 · 32
2 · -16
-2 · 16
-4 · 8
4 · -8
Now we look at the B value, which is +4. Out of all of the equations that equal -32, which one would equal the sum of +4?
That would be -4 · 8. (not 4 · -8 because 4 + -8 = -4)
So we make the equation: 4(x - 4)(x + 8)
-5h² - 20h + 60
We know it's a simple trinomial because there is only one variable squared.
But we notice that there is a number a part of the squared variable, which is -5.
So, before we factor the trinomial, we will find the GCF.
We first find the GCF for 5, 20 and 60. That would be 5.
We could use 5, but it's easier using -5, because then the variable squared turns positive.
Since there’s only variables in 5 and 20, we can’t have a common factor of h.
Now it should look like this:
-5(5h² - 20h + 60)
We divide by -5.
Finally: -5(h² + 4h - 12)
-5 will be staying for the rest of the problem.
Now that we simplified it, we ignore -5 out of parentheses and look at the C value, which is -12. We list down what multiplication equations would equal -12.
1 · -12
-1 · 12
2 · -6
-2 · 6
-4 · 3
4 · -3
Now we look at the B value, which is +4. Out of all of the equations that equal -12, which one would equal the sum of +4?
That would be -2 · 6.
So we make the equation: -5(x - 2)(x + 6)
Factoring Complex Trinomials (Calculus)
A complex trinomial is when the squared variable does not equal 1.
Simple trinomial: x² + 4x + 5
Complex trinomial: 4x² + 4x + 5
There are two ways of factoring complex trinomials. Decomposition and guessing then checking.
Let's do two problems for the hardest, longest one. Decomposition.
Factor the following: 7x² + 2x - 5
First, multiply value A and value C. That would be 7 and -5.
7 · -5 = -35
Now we take -35 and make an equation with the B value, 2x.
What number would be the product of -35 and also the sum of 2?
We list down all of the ways to make the product of -35 and choose the one that will equal 2.
1 · -35
-1 · 35
5 · -7
-5 · 7
We choose -5 · 7 to use. Not 5 · -7, because the sum of that is negative 2, not positive.
Next we make the equation. Always put the new terms in with a variable.
7x² - 5x + 7x - 5
It can be in any order, because they are both right in the end, just it may look backward if not in chronological order.
We take a look at the first two terms, 7x² and -5x. What is their GCF? 1x.
So now it's
1x()
We take a look at the second pair of terms, 7x and -5. What is their GCF? 1.
So now it's
1x() + 1()
So, let's start with 1x. What does 1x need to multiply with to get 7x²? 7x.
What does 1x need to multiply with to get -5x? -5.
We have finished the first parentheses.
1x(7x - 5)
Next, what does 1 need to multiply with to get 7x? 7x.
What does 1 need to multiply with to get -5? -5.
We have finished the last parentheses.
Now it's
1x(7x - 5) + 1(7x - 5)
We put the numbers outside parentheses together.
(1x + 1)()
Then the twin numbers in the parentheses in the second parentheses just once.
Finally: (1x + 1)(7x - 5) or (x + 1)(7x - 5)
Factor the following: 77x² + 143x + 66
We have to find the GCF first, since all of these constant values have one. Which is 11.
Now it's 11(7x² + 13x + 6)
The 11 stays for the rest of the problem.
First, multiply value A and value C. That would be 7 and 6.
7 · 6 = 42
Now we take 42 and make an equation with the B value, 13x.
What number would be the product of 42 and also the sum of 13?
We list down all of the ways to make the product of 42 and choose the one that will equal 13.
1 · 42
-1 · -42
-6 · -7
6 · 7
(Not all of the multiplies)
We choose 6 · 7 to use. Not -6 · -7, because the sum of that is negative 13, not positive.
Next we make the equation. Always put the new terms in with a variable.
7x² + 6x + 7x + 6
It can be in any order, because they are both right in the end, just it may look backward if not in chronological order.
We take a look at the first two terms, 7x² and 6x. What is their GCF? 1x.
So now it's
1x()
We take a look at the second pair of terms, 7x and 6. What is their GCF? 1.
So now it's
1x() + 1()
So, let's start with 1x. What does 1x need to multiply with to get 7x²? 7x.
What does 1x need to multiply with to get 6x? 6.
We have finished the first parentheses.
1x(7x + 6)
Next, what does 1 need to multiply with to get 7x? 7x.
What does 1 need to multiply with to get 6? 6.
We have finished the last parentheses.
Now it's
1x(7x + 6) + 1(7x + 6)
We put the numbers outside parentheses together. (1x and 1)
(1x + 1)()
Then the twin numbers in the parentheses in the second parentheses just once. (7x and 6)
(1x + 1)(7x + 6) or (x + 1)(7x + 6)
Remember to add the 11.
Finally: 11(x + 1)(7x + 6)
Guessing Then Checking
This is probably more faster, but the only problem is, you can basically only do this with prime numbers as value C.
Factor the following: 3x² + 5x + 2
We look at 3x². What is the first, most common way to get that product?
3x · x.
We put it in starting brackets.
(3x)(x)
Next we look at 2. What is the first, most common way to get that product?
1 · 2 or
2 · 1
Now it's the guessing part. Which one goes first? The 1 or 2?
Could it be either (3x + 1)(x + 2) or (3x + 2)(x + 1)?
We check by multiplying one of them and seeing if it's the answer above. If not, it's the second choice.
Option A: (3x + 1)(x + 2) = 3x² + 6x + 1x + 6
Option B: (3x + 2)(x + 1) = 3x² + 5x + 2
Which is correct? Option B.
Factor the following: 2x² + 15x + 7
We look at 2x². What is the first, most common way to get that product?
2x · x.
We put it in starting brackets.
(2x)(x)
Next we look at 7. What is the first, most common way to get that product?
1 · 7 or
7 · 1
Now it's the guessing part. Which one goes first? The 1 or 7?
Could it be either (2x + 1)(x + 7) or (2x + 7)(x + 1)?
We check by multiplying one of them and seeing if it's the answer above. If not, it's the second choice.
Option A: (2x + 1)(x + 7) = 2x² + 14x + 1x + 7
Option B: (2x + 7)(x + 1) = 2x² + 2x + 7x + 7
Which is correct? Option A.
Special Factoring (Calculus)
Special factoring is like regular factoring but with two variables.
One variable: (2x + 3)(3x - 2) = 6x² + 5x - 6
Two variables: (2x + 3y)(3x - 2y) = 6x² + 5xy - 6y²
Factor: 2x² + 7xy + 3y²
First, multiply value A and value C. That would be 2 and 3.
2 · 3 = 6
Now we take 6 and make an equation with the B value, 7xy.
What number would be the product of 6 and also the sum of 7?
We list down all of the ways to make the product of 6 and choose the one that will equal 7.
-1 · -6
1 · 6
We choose 1 · 6 to use. Not -1 · -6, because the sum of that is negative 7, not positive.
Next we make the equation. Always put the new terms in with a variable.
2x² + 1xy + 6xy + 3y²
It can be in any order, because they are both right in the end, just it may look backward if not in chronological order.
We take a look at the first two terms, 2x² and 1xy. What is their GCF? 1x.
So now it’s
1x()
We take a look at the second pair of terms, 6xy and 3y². What is their GCF? 3y.
So now it’s
1x() + 3y()
So, let’s start with 1x. What does 1x need to multiply with to get 2x²? 2x.
What does 1x need to multiply with to get 1xy? y.
We have finished the first parentheses.
1x(2x + y)
Next, what does 3y need to multiply with to get 6xy? 2x.
What does 3y need to multiply with to get 3y²? y.
We have finished the last parentheses.
Now it’s
1x(2x + y) + 3y(2x + y)
We put the numbers outside parentheses together.
(1x + 3y)()
Then the twin numbers in the parentheses in the second parentheses just once.
Finally: (1x + 3y)(2x + y) or (x + 3y)(2x + y)
Difference of Squares (Calculus)
(2x + 5)(2x - 5)
Notice how the bolded terms are square numbers. Their product is 4x².
Same with the italic terms. Their product is -25.
4 and 25 are both square numbers.
Factor: x² - 25
What is the square root of x²? x and x.
Now it's
(x)(x)
What is the square root of -25? +5 and -5.
Finally it's
(x + 5)(x - 5)
Factor: x² - 81
What is the square root of x²? x and x.
Now it's
(x)(x)
What is the square root of -81? +9 and -9.
Finally it's
(x + 9)(x - 9)
Factor 4x² - 25y²
What is the square root of 4x²? 2x and 2x.
Now it's
(2x)(2x)
What is the square root of -25y²? +5y and -5y.
Finally it's
(2x + 5y)(2x - 5y)
Factor: x
What is the square root of x
)
What is the square root of -y
? +y³ and -y³.
Finally it's
(x
What is the square root of 81x
? 9x² and 9x².
Now it's
(9x²)(9x²)
What is the square root of -16y
? +4y² and -4y².
Now it's
(9x² + 4y²)(9x² - 4y²)
We can convert this since 4, 9 and x² are squares.
Remember to add the original afterwards.
Finally it's
(9x² + 4y²)(3x + 2y)(3x - 2y)
(2x + 1)²
What's 2x squared? 4x².
Now it's
(4x²)
What is 2x + 1 · 2? 4x.
Now it's
(4x² + 4x)
What is 1 squared? 1.
Finally it's
(4x² + 4x + 1)
(x + 3)²
What is x squared? x².
Now it's
(x²)
What is x + 3 · 2? 6x.
Now it's
(x² + 6x)
What is 3 squared? 9.
Finally it's
(x² + 6x + 9)
(5x + 4)²
What is 5x squared? 25x².
Now it's
(25x²)
What is 5x + 4 · 2? 40x.
Now it's
(25x² + 40x)
What is 4 squared? 16.
Finally it's
(25x² + 40x + 16)