Factoring Algorithm

GIVEN:

THE ALGORITHM:

1. Multiply the first coefficient by the third coefficient:

2. Take this product and find the two factors of it whose sum or differnce is equal to the second coefficient.

3. Using the two factors that you found, create a new equation using the format that is shown.

note: The sign between the two factors is positive if the factors' SUM is equal to the second coeffiecient, and negative if the factors' DIFFERENCE is equal to the second coeffiecient.

4. Group the first two terms and the last two terms, then factor them.

5. Now simplify the equation and you will get the two binomial factors of the trinomial that we started with.

Remember: you can check your answer by multiplying the two binomials that you got to see if their product is the trinomial that you started with!

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