How to factor polynomials: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 01:46, 8 October 2009

Revision as of 01:47, 8 October 2009

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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 /><br />

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

'''Step 1'''–&nbsp;&nbsp;

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><br /><br />