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Two Directions

Part of the Factoring & Quadratics section of Coddy's Algebra journey. Lesson 1 of 63.

In the last section you multiplied polynomials. For example, 4x(x + 3) expands to 4x^2 + 12x. In this section you go in the other direction. Writing 4x^2 + 12x as 4x(x + 3) is called factoring. Factoring turns a sum into a product.

The expanded form and the factored form are the same expression written in two ways. The expanded form shows the terms being added. The factored form shows the factors being multiplied. Use the form that helps with the calculation or the equation you are working on.

Factoring has one main use, and you will meet it in chapter seven. When one side of an equation is a product, you can solve the equation by looking at each factor on its own. Quadratic equations are solved this way, so this section teaches you how to factor.

Challenge

Easy

Start with the direction you already know. Expand 5x(x + 2).

Try it yourself

5x(x + 2)

Simplify the expression

Test yourself

This lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.

All lessons in Factoring & Quadratics

1What Factoring Is

Two DirectionsThe Reverse Gear Un-Distributing Letters The Check Is Multiplication Recap: First Factors

4Minus Signs in the Machine

A Negative Product Which One Gets the Minus Both Negative The Sign Map Recap: Signs

7The Zero Product Rule

A Product That Makes Zero One Factor Is Enough The Bare X Every Factor Gets a Turn Recap: Zero Product

10The Quadratic Formula

The Formula, Stated The Number Under the Root Split the Plus-Minus It Always Works Choosing a Method Recap: The Formula

2The Greatest Common Factor

Number and Letter Together The Largest One Higher Powers Three Terms Share Too Recap: The GCF

5Special Shapes

A Missing Middle The Shape in Letters The Perfect Square The Minus Version Prime Polynomials Recap: Special Shapes

8Solving by Factoring

Factor, Then Split Signs Under Pressure Arrange It First The GCF Route Bigger Fronts Recap: Solve by Factoring

11How Many Solutions?

Two, One, or None The Double Root None at All Recap: Counting Solutions

3The Sum-Product Machine

Reading the Product Hunting the Pair The Machine in Letters Longer Hunts Recap: The Machine

6Factor Completely

Two Layers Squares Inside Completely Means Completely The Deep Check Recap: Factor Completely

9The Square Root Method

Undoing a Square Arrange, Then Root A Squared Package Roots That Are Not Whole Recap: Square Roots

12Final Challenges

Final: The Full Sweep Final: Factor and Split Final: Arrange First Final: The Rug, Modeled Final: The Rug, Solved Final: No Training Wheels