How to factor polynomials: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 01:02, 8 October 2009

Revision as of 01:07, 8 October 2009

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where <math>mn=a</math>, <math>pq=c</math>, and <math>mq+pn=b</math><br />

Many times students are taught that to factor a non-monic trinomials, they must guess different combinations of m,n,p,and q and then [[FOIL]] the factors to see if they had guessed correctly. There is a method of factoring that, while not often taught, will work.<br />

Example: Factor <math>6x^2+7x-3</math>

====Step 21==== Multiply '''a''' and '''c'''. (Multiply the number in front of <math>x^2</math> and the [[constant term|constant]])<br />

Multipy 6 and -3, <math>6(-3)=-18</math>

====Step 2====Find factors of '''ac'''.

Find factors of -18 which gives you <math>1×−18, -1*18</math>

====Step 2==== Multiply '''a''' and '''c'''. (Multiply the number in front of <math>x^2</math> and the [[constant]]

==References==

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