Factoring Quadratic Equations
Factoring Quadratic Equations Factoring quadratic equations is a method to express a quadratic expression in the form $$ax^2 + bx + c$$ as a product of its linear factors $$(x - r_1)(x - r_2)$$, where $$r_1$$ and $$r_2$$ are the roots of the equation. Steps for Factoring Quadratic Equations: Identify the coefficients $$a$$, $$b$$, and $$c$$ in the quadratic equation $$ax^2 + bx + c = 0$$. Find two numbers $$p$$ and $$q$$ such that: $$p + q = b$$ $$pq = ac$$ Rewrite the middle term using $$p$$ and $$q$$: $$ax^2 + px + qx + c$$ Group the terms and factor out common factors: $$ax^2 + px + qx + c = (ax^2 + px) + (qx + c) = x(ax + p) + 1(qx + c)$$ Factor out the greatest common factor: $$(x(ax + p) + 1(qx + c)) = (x + \frac{c}{q})(ax + p)$$ Example: Factor the quadratic equation: $$x^2 + 7x + 12 = 0$$ Solution: Identify $$a=1$$, $$b=7$$, and $$c=12$$ Find $$p$$ and $$q$$: $$3 + 4 = 7$$ and $$3 \times 4 = 12$$ Rewrite: $$x^2 + 3x + 4x + 12$$ Group and factor: $$(x^2 + 3