How do you factor a problem?

Answer 1

If you have a question such as: X2+36X+12=Y

What you do: Try to find something that would add up to twelve (6+6) and if those same numbers multiply to equal 36 (which they do), put them into vertex form:

(X+6)(X+6)+Y

Most questions won't add up so easily though

Answer 2

for example: x2+9x+20

To factor the quadratic trinomial follow this steps:

Step 1: List all the factors of your 3rd term

ex: 20= 2x10 (-2x-10)

4x5 (-4x-5)

1x20 (-1x-20)

Step 2 Look for the factors whose sum is the second term

ex: 9 is your second term

4x5 {4+5=9}

Step 3: therefore x2+9x+20=(x+4)(x+5)

Answer 3

depends on the number of terms and the exponents of the variables in the terms

Always try GCF first.

2 terms with a variable squared try difference of squares

2 terms with variable cubed try difference of cubes

3 terms (trinomial of 2nd order) try different trinomial techniques.

4 or more terms try grouping terms.

you may have to use more than one of the above .... 1st GCF then look to see if what is grouped in now one of the other types, such as difference of squares.

EX. 2x3 - 50x <-- notice GCF is 2x

= 2x(x2 - 25) <-- look inside the grouping symbol (parenthesis)

this is diff. of squares

= 2x(x+5)(x-5) this is the answer