Factorising a Quadratic

Factorising a quadratic polynomial of the form,

ax2 + bx + c = 0

can be done in many depends depending on the values we have for a, b and c. 

Some simple polynomial could be done simply by recognition. For example:

 x2 + 4x + 3 = 0

In this scenario we would use the assumption that the factorisation is of the form:

(dx+e)(fx+g) = 0

and we would consider the values of d, e, f and g.

As the coefficient of the xterm is 1, d and f would both be 1. Hence:

(x+e)(x+g) = 0

Now we need numbers for e and g such that:

e*g = 3 and,

e+g = 4

We find that e = 3 and g = 1 or visa versa. 

Hence we can factorise 

x2 + 4x + 3 = 0 

to (x+3)(x+1) = 0

HS
Answered by Hanumanth Srikar K. Maths tutor

4627 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Expand and simplify (2x+5)(x^2 + 3x -1)


Find the two points of intersection of the graphs 2x+y=7 and x^2-8x+7=y. Solve using only algebraic methods (no graphical).


Simplify: y+y-x×x


Solve 8x + 9y = 3 and x + y = 0.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning