Ms.Sue or Steve, how do I do those factoring problems?
https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/factoring.html
x² - 121 = 0
so for this one do I what try to cancel out the 121?
Factoring is a common algebraic process where you determine the factors of a given expression. To help you understand how to do factoring problems, I will explain a general method that you can follow:
1. Start by identifying the expression you want to factor. It could be a polynomial, such as a quadratic equation, or any algebraic expression.
2. If the expression is a polynomial, check if it can be factored by looking for a common factor in all the terms. A common factor is a number or variable that is present in each term. For example, in the expression 2x^2 + 4x, the common factor is 2x, which can be factored out to get: 2x(x + 2).
3. If there is no common factor, try to identify any patterns or special factoring formulas that might apply. Some common special cases include:
- Difference of squares: If you have an expression in the form a^2 - b^2, it can be factored as (a - b)(a + b).
- Perfect square trinomials: Certain quadratic expressions can be factored using the pattern (a ± b)^2 = a^2 ± 2ab + b^2.
- Quadratic trinomials: General quadratic expressions in the form ax^2 + bx + c can be factored by finding two numbers whose product is equal to ac and whose sum is equal to b. Then, you use these numbers to split the middle term and factor by grouping.
4. If none of the special cases apply, you may need to use trial and error, or a more advanced technique like completing the square or applying the quadratic formula. These methods are typically used for more complex expressions.
Remember, factoring may require practice and familiarity with different patterns and techniques. It can sometimes be challenging, but with practice, you will become more comfortable with it.