Dr. J's Maths.com
Where the techniques of Maths
are explained in simple terms.

Algebra - Factorisation.
Home page.


 

The resources for factorisation referenced from this page are:
1. Deciding on the appropriate method.
2. Common factor.
3. Difference between two squares.
4. Quadratics - Cross method.
5. Quadratics - PSF method.
6. Completing the square.
7. Quadratic formula.
8. Factorising 4 terms.
9. Factorising two-term cubic expressions.
10. Applications of the methods.

The factorisation technique referred to as the "Cross Method" is described in detail. It is the most preferred method by students to use to complete the factorisation of quadratic expressions and quadratic equations. Some teachers still prefer the generally more difficult PSF method.

 

Like the Completing of the Square, the Cross Method of factorisation is one which must be learnt really well so that you can use it with confidence in many situations.

 

1. Identifying the appropriate method.
2. Common factor. Summary of steps.
  Common factor - Test Yourself 1.
  Common factor - Test Yourself 2.
   
Factorising quadratics
3. Difference between 2 squares. Summary of steps to follow with two squares.
  Difference between 2 squares - Test Yourself 1.
  Difference between 2 squares - Test Yourself 2.
4. Cross-method.
  Summary of steps to follow using the Cross method.
Monics. Monics - Test Yourself 1.
  Monics - Test Yourself 1 - Solutions.
  Monics - Test Yourself 2.
  Monics - Test Yourself 2 - Solutions.
Non-monics.  
  Non-monics - Test Yourself 1.
  Non-monics - Test Yourself 2 - Solutions.
5. The PSF approach.  
6. Completing the square.
Summary of the steps to follow when implementing the method.
Monics Completing the square on monics - Test Yourself 1.
  Completing the square on monics -
Test Yourself 1 - Solutions.
Non-monics.
  Completing the square on non - monics -
Test Yourself 1.
  Completing the square on non - monics -
Test Yourself 1 - Solutions.

Monics & non-monics combined.

 Revision test - Combined types - Test Yourself 1.
   
7. The Quadratic formula Summary of steps to follow with the quadratic formula.
  Quadratic formula - Test Yourself 1.
  Quadratic formula - Test Yourself 1 - Solutions.
8. Factorising expressions with 4 terms. Summary of the general approaches.
  Factoring 4 terms - Test Yourself 1.
  Factoring 4 terms - Test Yourself 1 - Solutions.
9. Factorising two-term cubic expressions. Summary of strategies.
  Two term cubics - Test Yourself 1.
  Two term cubics - Test Yourself 1 - Solutions.
10. Applications of methods. Applications - Test Yourself 1.
  Applications - Test Yourself 1 - Solutions.