Factor expressions, also known as factoring, mean rewriting the expression as the product of factors. For example, 3x + 12y can be factored into a simple expression of 3 (x + 4y). In this way, the calculations become easier. The terms 3 and (x + 4y) are known as factors.
Examples Using Factoring Formulas 8×3 + 27 = (2x)3 + 33. The formula a3 + b3 will be changed to a = 2x and b = 3. Answer is 8×3 + 27 = (2x + 3) (4×2 – 6x + 9).
The Solve by Factoring process will require four major steps: Move all terms to one side of the equation, usually the left, using addition or subtraction. Factor the equation completely. Set each factor equal to zero, and solve. List each solution from Step 3 as a solution to the original equation.
To factor on a TI-84, you can use the Equation Solver function. To access it, press the MATH button on your calculator, then hit the up arrow to scroll directly to the bottom of the list. Press ENTER and input the equation.
While the basic TI-84+ calculator will not list the factors of an expression, you can still use the calculator to help in factoring algebraic expressions. There are several approaches you may use depending upon the known information.
Factoring an equation may be thought of as breaking down the equation into factors in a manner similar to breaking down a number such as 6 into factors 2 x 3. The equation x 2 − x = 0 may be broken down, or factored, as x ( x − 1 ) = 0 .
Factoring formulas are used to write an algebraic expression as the product of two or more expressions. Some important factoring formulas are given as, (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b. (a - b)2 = a2 - 2ab + b.