Factorization and Binomial Expansion

Section 1What factorization does

Factorization means taking out common factors and writing an expression as multiplication. For example, 6x + 9 can become 3(2x + 3). Watch out: the bracket must multiply back to the original expression.

Section 2Common factors

Start by finding the highest common factor of all terms. In 8a + 12, the highest common factor is 4. So 8a + 12 = 4(2a + 3).

Section 3Binomial expansion

A binomial has two terms, like (x + 4). To expand, multiply every term in one bracket by every term in the other bracket. Here's the trick: no term should be left out.

Section 4Opposite operations

Expansion opens brackets; factorization puts brackets back. You can check one by doing the other. If your factorized answer expands back to the original, it is correct.