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

4064 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The two points (4,9) and (2,3) are on line A. A second line, line B is perpendicular to line A and goes through the point (2,3). What is the equation of line B?


What is the easiest way to solve a simultaneous equation?


Simplify 3 × a × 3 × a


How do I apply the correct formulae and other methods to difficult looking questions?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences