Factoring by A-C Method
This page is going to teach how to factor a trinomial using the A-C Method. This is best used when the "A" is not equal to 1.
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 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." In this case our magic number is 42. Think of ALL the factors of 42.
42- 1 x 42; 2 x 21, 3 x 14; 6 x 7
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 the same sign would give us the middle term of "+17x"? 3x + 14x = 17x. So now we replace the 17x
42- 1 x 42; 2 x 21, 3 x 14; 6 x 7
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 the same sign would give us the middle term of "+17x"? 3x + 14x = 17x. So now we replace the 17x
Step 6: Think back... when we had four terms how did we factor? Grouping!!!
Try these two problems in class. When finished raise your hand and have Mrs. Weller check it
Then print the following worksheet. Feel free to print the answers as well. Remember to get full credit you have to show ALL WORK!!