Factoring by A-C Method - 2
This page will be showing how to use the A-C method instead of the guess and check method.
After yesterdays lesson, many students find the set directions of the A-C method easier then trying the guess and check method. So this page is to show the A-C method for trinomials with the a = 1 and some extra practice from yesterday' s lesson.
Step 1: Make sure that the trinomial is in standard form
Step 2: Identify the "A" and "C". Let's have a problem to help this process
After yesterdays lesson, many students find the set directions of the A-C method easier then trying the guess and check method. So this page is to show the A-C method for trinomials with the a = 1 and some extra practice from yesterday' s lesson.
Step 1: Make sure that the trinomial is in standard form
Step 2: Identify the "A" and "C". Let's have a problem to help this process
Step 3: Multiply the "A" times "C." It is understood that if there is no number in front of x squared the number is equal to 1. In this case our magic number is 12. Think of ALL the factors of 12.
12- 1 x 12; 2 x 6; 3 x 4
Step 4: The final sign is the focal point here.
If the final sign is "+" same sign (both positive or both negative)
If the final sign is "-" different sign (on of each sign)
Step 5: Looking at our example which pair of factor when put together with different signs would give us the middle term of "-1x"? 3x - 4x = -1x. So now we replace the -1x
12- 1 x 12; 2 x 6; 3 x 4
Step 4: The final sign is the focal point here.
If the final sign is "+" same sign (both positive or both negative)
If the final sign is "-" different sign (on of each sign)
Step 5: Looking at our example which pair of factor when put together with different signs would give us the middle term of "-1x"? 3x - 4x = -1x. So now we replace the -1x
Step 6: Think back... when we had four terms how did we factor? Grouping!!!
Here is another worksheet for factoring. Feel free to pick either method. If you feel more comfortable with the guess and check use that. If you like the step by step directions then use the A-C Method. This worksheet is due tomorrow. Do all odd problems.