Last one was a little off, this one is right.

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: : : I am learning how to factor polynomials of the form ax^2+bx+c. The book explains two different ways to factor using trial factors and grouping. Which is the easiest? Does it matter? And do I use each one for solving a different sort of problem? Hope someone can clear this up for me. Thanks : : : : Okay, this is how I do it. I assume that a b c are coeficients,(1 2 3). : : So you have ax²+bx+c. Let's change that to : : (1)x²+(3)x+2. : : 1. Now, to do grouping, you need to find the factors of the last number. Whenever there is only 1 x², the factors of the last term up to the coeficient of the middle term. For example, in x²+3x+2, the factors of 2 are 1 and 2 (1*2=2), and if you add them, it equals 3 (1+2=3). : : 2. Also, we know that in multiplication, a +*+=+, -*+=-, and -*-=+. : : 3. Lastly, since the first term is x², we know that the factors will each be x± something. : : Since all terms are positive, we know that the factors have to be x+ something, so from there it is easy. : : (x+_)(x+_) : : (x+1)(x+2)=x²+3x+2 : : You use trial factors for when you have a problem like 6x²+7x+2. Since there is more than 1 of the first term, the above solution won't work. Instead you have to figure out the factors of both the 1^st and 3^rd terms. This is how I do it. : : 6x²+7x+2 : : 6x²=(2x*3x) OR (6x*1x) : : 2=1*2 : : From here I figure out which works. I already know that both will be (_x+_), so all I have to do is do the trials. : : (x+1)(6x+2)=6x²+8x+2 <font color="red">Nope</font> : : (x+2)(6x+1)=6x²+13x+2<font color="red"> Nope</font> : : (2x+2)(3x+1)=6x²+8x+2 <font color="red">Nope</font> : : (2x+1)(3x+2)=6x²+7x+2 <font color="green">Bingo! </font> : : And that's more or less how I do it. Good luck, and remember that practice makes perfect!!

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