Look for two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 107 views

Introduction

Factoring expressions is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to simplify complex expressions and solve equations. In this article, we will focus on factoring quadratic expressions, which are expressions of the form $ax^2 + bx + c$ . We will use the given expression $x^2 - 12x + 35$ as an example to demonstrate the step-by-step process of factoring.

What is Factoring?

Factoring is the process of expressing an expression as a product of simpler expressions, called factors. In the case of quadratic expressions, we can factor them into the product of two binomials. A binomial is an expression of the form $ax + b$ , where $a$ and $b$ are constants.

The Method of Factoring

To factor a quadratic expression, we need to find two binomials whose product is equal to the original expression. We can use the following steps to factor a quadratic expression:

Look for two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term: In the given expression $x^2 - 12x + 35$ , the constant term is 35. We need to find two numbers whose product is equal to 35.
Look for two numbers whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term: In the given expression $x^2 - 12x + 35$ , the coefficient of the linear term is -12. We need to find two numbers whose sum is equal to -12.
Write the two binomials: Once we have found the two numbers, we can write the two binomials as $(x + a)(x + b)$ , where $a$ and $b$ are the two numbers we found in steps 1 and 2.
Multiply the two binomials: We can multiply the two binomials to get the original expression.

Factoring the Given Expression

Let's apply the steps above to factor the given expression $x^2 - 12x + 35$ .

Step 1: Look for two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term

The constant term is 35. We need to find two numbers whose product is equal to 35. The two numbers are 5 and 7, since $5 \times 7 = 35$ .

Step 2: Look for two numbers whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term

The coefficient of the linear term is -12. We need to find two numbers whose sum is equal to -12. The two numbers are -5 and -7, since $-5 + (-7) = -12$ .

Step 3: Write the two binomials

We can write the two binomials as $(x - 5)(x - 7)$ .

Step 4: Multiply the two binomials

We can multiply the two binomials to get the original expression:

$(x - 5)(x - 7) = x^2 - 7x - 5x + 35 = x^2 - 12x + 35$

Conclusion

In this article, we have demonstrated the step-by-step process of factoring a quadratic expression. We have used the given expression $x^2 - 12x + 35$ as an example to show how to factor an expression completely. By following the steps outlined above, we can factor any quadratic expression and simplify complex expressions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When factoring expressions, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

Not looking for two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term: This is a crucial step in factoring expressions. If we don't find two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term, we may not be able to factor the expression completely.
Not looking for two numbers whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term: This is another crucial step in factoring expressions. If we don't find two numbers whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term, we may not be able to factor the expression completely.
Not writing the two binomials correctly: When writing the two binomials, we need to make sure that we have the correct signs and coefficients.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you factor expressions:

Use the distributive property: The distributive property states that $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ . We can use this property to factor expressions by multiplying the two binomials and then simplifying the expression.
Use the commutative property: The commutative property states that $a + b = b + a$ . We can use this property to factor expressions by rearranging the terms and then simplifying the expression.
Use the associative property: The associative property states that $(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)$ . We can use this property to factor expressions by rearranging the terms and then simplifying the expression.

Practice Problems

Here are some practice problems to help you practice factoring expressions:

Factor the expression $x^2 + 5x + 6$ : Use the steps outlined above to factor the expression $x^2 + 5x + 6$ .
Factor the expression $x^2 - 3x - 4$ : Use the steps outlined above to factor the expression $x^2 - 3x - 4$ .
Factor the expression $x^2 + 2x - 15$ : Use the steps outlined above to factor the expression $x^2 + 2x - 15$ .

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the step-by-step process of factoring quadratic expressions. We also provided some tips and tricks to help you factor expressions. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about factoring expressions.

Q: What is factoring?

A: Factoring is the process of expressing an expression as a product of simpler expressions, called factors. In the case of quadratic expressions, we can factor them into the product of two binomials.

Q: How do I factor a quadratic expression?

A: To factor a quadratic expression, you need to follow these steps:

Look for two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term: In the given expression $x^2 - 12x + 35$ , the constant term is 35. We need to find two numbers whose product is equal to 35.
Look for two numbers whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term: In the given expression $x^2 - 12x + 35$ , the coefficient of the linear term is -12. We need to find two numbers whose sum is equal to -12.
Write the two binomials: Once we have found the two numbers, we can write the two binomials as $(x + a)(x + b)$ , where $a$ and $b$ are the two numbers we found in steps 1 and 2.
Multiply the two binomials: We can multiply the two binomials to get the original expression.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when factoring expressions?

A: When factoring expressions, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

Not looking for two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term: This is a crucial step in factoring expressions. If we don't find two numbers whose product is equal to the constant term, we may not be able to factor the expression completely.
Not looking for two numbers whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term: This is another crucial step in factoring expressions. If we don't find two numbers whose sum is equal to the coefficient of the linear term, we may not be able to factor the expression completely.
Not writing the two binomials correctly: When writing the two binomials, we need to make sure that we have the correct signs and coefficients.

Q: How do I use the distributive property to factor expressions?

A: The distributive property states that $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ . We can use this property to factor expressions by multiplying the two binomials and then simplifying the expression.

Q: How do I use the commutative property to factor expressions?

A: The commutative property states that $a + b = b + a$ . We can use this property to factor expressions by rearranging the terms and then simplifying the expression.

Q: How do I use the associative property to factor expressions?

A: The associative property states that $(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)$ . We can use this property to factor expressions by rearranging the terms and then simplifying the expression.

Q: What are some tips and tricks to help me factor expressions?

A: Here are some tips and tricks to help you factor expressions:

Use the distributive property: The distributive property states that $a(b + c) = ab + ac$ . We can use this property to factor expressions by multiplying the two binomials and then simplifying the expression.
Use the commutative property: The commutative property states that $a + b = b + a$ . We can use this property to factor expressions by rearranging the terms and then simplifying the expression.
Use the associative property: The associative property states that $(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)$ . We can use this property to factor expressions by rearranging the terms and then simplifying the expression.

Q: How do I practice factoring expressions?

A: Here are some practice problems to help you practice factoring expressions:

Factor the expression $x^2 + 5x + 6$ : Use the steps outlined above to factor the expression $x^2 + 5x + 6$ .
Factor the expression $x^2 - 3x - 4$ : Use the steps outlined above to factor the expression $x^2 - 3x - 4$ .
Factor the expression $x^2 + 2x - 15$ : Use the steps outlined above to factor the expression $x^2 + 2x - 15$ .

Conclusion

In conclusion, factoring expressions is a crucial concept in algebra that allows us to simplify complex expressions and solve equations. By following the steps outlined above, we can factor any quadratic expression and simplify complex expressions. Remember to avoid common mistakes and use tips and tricks to help you factor expressions. With practice, you will become proficient in factoring expressions and be able to solve complex equations.

Additional Resources

If you need additional help with factoring expressions, here are some additional resources:

Online tutorials: There are many online tutorials that can help you learn how to factor expressions.
Practice problems: There are many practice problems available online that can help you practice factoring expressions.
Math textbooks: There are many math textbooks available that can provide additional help with factoring expressions.