Factoring ax² + bx + c
Overview
Goal. Factor ax² + bx + c when a is not 1: use the AC method — split the middle term using a pair that multiplies to ac and adds to b — then factor by grouping.
Factor by grouping (definition). Factoring a four-term polynomial by factoring each pair of terms, then factoring out the common binomial.
Lesson Notes
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Lesson Video
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Interactive Activity
Goal. Factor ax² + bx + c (with a not equal to 1) using the AC method: multiply a times c, find the pair that adds to b, split the middle term, and factor by grouping.
AC method (definition). A factoring method for ax² + bx + c: replace the middle term with two terms whose coefficients multiply to ac and add to b, then factor by grouping.