How do you factor q2-7q plus 12?

Answer 1

1. When factoring first always look for a GCF (greatest common factor). If each term has a greatest common factor, factor it out in from using parenthesis first. This problem does not have a GCF.

2. Next, since this is a trinomial, many times we can factor it down using backwards FOIL (First, Outter, Inner, Last).

3. To do this always put down two sets of parenthesis. (we do this because we are looking to factor into two binomials)

( )( )

4. Next we complete the fist term in each set of parenthesis. The first term is simply going to be the variable we are using in the problem. In this problem the variable is q.

(q )(q )

5. Then find the factors of the last term (+12) in which the sum is equal to the coefficient of the middle term (-7). These factors are -3 and -4.

6. Complete the factoring by putting these factors into the second part of the parenthesis.

(q - 3)(q - 4)

* If you want to make sure you are correct, multiply you answer out and see if you get the same trinomial you started with.