Eg. Factor the polynomial x^2 + 7x + 12.
1st Step. Humanap ka ng lahat na possible factors ng CONSTANT, which in this case, is 12. The factors are:
4 x 3
-4 x -3
12 x 1
-12 x -1
2nd Step. ADD the factors na nakuha mo sa step 1.
4 + 3 = 7
-4 + (-3) = -7
12 + 1 = 13
-12 + (-1) = -13
3rd Step. Look at the SUMS and see which sum MATCHES THE COEFFICIENT in the second term which is 7x. Therefore yung factors are 4 and 3.
4th Step. Fill in the blanks. Follow the ff. format:
(x +/- ?)(x +/- ?)
Since both factors are positive, (x + ?)(x + ?) yung gagawin.
So...
x^2 + 7x + 12 = (x+4)(x+3)
REMEMBER THIS DOES NOT WORK FOR ALL POLYNOMIALS, BUT MOST. :)
Thank me! X)))