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Then, x 2 3 x 5 x 15 x 2 2 x 15
x 15 x 56
2
As needed
(Notice how the -3x and 5x add to the 2x and how the 5 and
the -3 multiply to -15 when foiling)
x 6x 9
2
possible factors of the lead term and Then list all possible factoring that
constant term we can, by trial and error, contain these pieces and find the “oi”
determine which combination will form part of foil to determine witch one give
the middle term when foiling. you the 11x you need.
( 4 x 6)( x 1)
Try: 4 x 6 x 10 x
3x 13 x 4
2 ( 4 x 1)( x 6)
24 x x 25 x
2 x 2 9 x 10 ( 4 x 2)( x 3) 12 x 2 x 14 x
( 4 x 3)( x 2) 8 x 3 x 11 x
6x 2 7x 3 ( 2 x 1)(2 x 6) 12 x 2 x 14 x
( 2 x 2)( 2 x 3) 6 x 4 x 10 x
5x 2 9 x 4
Thus, 4 x 2 11x 6 (4 x 3)( x 2)
(In practice you can stop once you find it)
Case 3: Lead coefficient not equal to Example: Factor 4 x 2 2 x 12
one, “ac” method.
The trial method works well First find the product (ac)
when the lead term and constant term 4 (12) 48
have a small number of factors. Lots of
factors can mean lots of cases to check. We must find an p and q such that
The “ac” method removes the need for p q 48 and p q 2
these long trials in exchange for a more p 8 and q 6 will work so replace
technical methodology. the 2x with 8 x (6) x or just 8 x 6 x
to get…
To factor first find the product of
the lead coefficient (a) and the constant 4 x 2 8 x 6 x 12 then factor
term (c). The, like in case one, find a by grouping
pair of numbers p and q that multiply to 4 x ( x 2) 6( x 2)
make this product and add to the
coefficient of the x term (b). Then ( x 2)(4 x 6) so,
replace the x term with the sum px qx
And factor your new four term 4 x 2 2 x 12 ( x 2)(4 x 6)
polynomial by grouping.
Try:
(Finding p and q is not always easy. Just
3 x 2 19 x 20
list all the ways to factor (ac) and add up
each pair. Be careful of your signs. If
6 x 2 31x 35 none of the pairs add up to the right
number then the trinomial is simply not
24 x 2 14 x 3 factorable, (or you left off a pair).)
10 x 2 29 x 10