Factoring a quadratic equation can be easier if you use some simple steps. A quadratic equation usually looks like this:
[ ax^2 + bx + c = 0 ]
Here's how to factor it quickly:
Find the Numbers: First, look for the numbers ( a ), ( b ), and ( c ). For example, in the equation ( 2x^2 + 5x + 3 ), we have ( a = 2 ), ( b = 5 ), and ( c = 3 ).
Multiply ( a ) and ( c ): Next, multiply ( a ) and ( c ). In our example, that would be ( 2 \times 3 = 6 ).
Get Two Numbers: Now, find two numbers that multiply to the product ( ac ) (which is 6) and also add up to ( b ) (which is 5). The numbers ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) work because ( 2 \times 3 = 6 ) and ( 2 + 3 = 5 ).
Rewrite the Middle Term: Next, rewrite the equation using those two numbers. So instead of ( 5x ), we’ll write it as ( 2x + 3x ). Now our equation looks like this: ( 2x^2 + 2x + 3x + 3 ).
Group the Terms: Now, group the terms together: ( (2x^2 + 2x) + (3x + 3) ).
Factor Out Common Parts: Look for parts that can be factored out. We can get: ( 2x(x + 1) + 3(x + 1) ).
Final Factoring: Finally, we can write this as ( (2x + 3)(x + 1) = 0 ).
By following these easy steps, factoring quadratic equations becomes simple and fast!
Factoring a quadratic equation can be easier if you use some simple steps. A quadratic equation usually looks like this:
[ ax^2 + bx + c = 0 ]
Here's how to factor it quickly:
Find the Numbers: First, look for the numbers ( a ), ( b ), and ( c ). For example, in the equation ( 2x^2 + 5x + 3 ), we have ( a = 2 ), ( b = 5 ), and ( c = 3 ).
Multiply ( a ) and ( c ): Next, multiply ( a ) and ( c ). In our example, that would be ( 2 \times 3 = 6 ).
Get Two Numbers: Now, find two numbers that multiply to the product ( ac ) (which is 6) and also add up to ( b ) (which is 5). The numbers ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) work because ( 2 \times 3 = 6 ) and ( 2 + 3 = 5 ).
Rewrite the Middle Term: Next, rewrite the equation using those two numbers. So instead of ( 5x ), we’ll write it as ( 2x + 3x ). Now our equation looks like this: ( 2x^2 + 2x + 3x + 3 ).
Group the Terms: Now, group the terms together: ( (2x^2 + 2x) + (3x + 3) ).
Factor Out Common Parts: Look for parts that can be factored out. We can get: ( 2x(x + 1) + 3(x + 1) ).
Final Factoring: Finally, we can write this as ( (2x + 3)(x + 1) = 0 ).
By following these easy steps, factoring quadratic equations becomes simple and fast!