More involved algebra questions will require you to factor algebra equations.
The most basic form of factoring is when you need to use the distributive law. This step is usually done as
a part of a bigger question and factoring in this way is needed to simplify an equation.
Example:
Factor 7c + 14cy
7c(1 + 2y)
Difference of Two Squares
Some very common questions involving factoring the difference of two squares are found in the form
a2 - b2. Memorize that this can be factored into (a + b)(a - b).
Example:
Factor the following expression.
4a2 - 9
(2a + 3)(2a - 3)
Quadratic Equations
When you come across an equation in the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 you should be ready to solve it
as a Quadratic Equation.
In Quadratic Equations you are looking to find out what the possible values of x would be.
Step 1 would be to factor and Step 2 would be to set the 2 factors equal to 0. You will usually end up
with 2 possible values for x.
Example:
Find the value(s) of x in the following equation.
x2 + 2x - 3 = 0
Factor:
Step 1: (x + 3)(x - 1) = 0
Step 2:
x + 3 = 0
x - 1 = 0
Possible values of x:
x = -3
x = 1
Plugging either of these answers (-3, or 1) back into the original equation will set the equation to 0
on both sides.
