Factoring
Definition
Factoring is the process of breaking down a mathematical expression into its simplest form by finding its factors. It involves identifying common factors and using distributive property to simplify the expression.
Analogy
Factoring is like taking apart a puzzle. Just as you break down a puzzle into smaller pieces to see how it fits together, factoring breaks down an expression into smaller factors to understand its structure.
Related terms
Quadratic Equation: A polynomial equation of degree 2 that can be factored into two linear expressions.
Greatest Common Factor (GCF): The largest factor that divides evenly into two or more numbers or expressions.
Difference of Squares: A special case of factoring where a binomial expression can be written as the product of two conjugate binomials.
"Factoring" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (1)
- Which step of implicit differentiation involves factoring out y'?
Resources
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