Factorizing expressions
Factorizing an expression is the opposite of expanding it.
Expanding or multiplying out
a(b + c) ab + ac
Factorizing
Often:
When we expand an expression we remove the brackets.
When we factorize an expression we write it with brackets.
1 of 73 © Boardworks Ltd 2005
, Factorizing expressions
Writing 5x + 10 as 5(x + 2) is called factorizing the
expression.
Factorize 6a + 8 Factorize 12n – 9n2
The highest common The highest common
factor of 6a and 8 is 2. factor of 12n and 9n2 is 3n.
(6a + 8) ÷ 2 = 3a + 4 (12n – 9n2) ÷ 3n = 4 – 3n
6a + 8 = 2(3a + 4) 12n – 9n2 = 3n(4 – 3n)
2 of 73 © Boardworks Ltd 2005
Factorizing an expression is the opposite of expanding it.
Expanding or multiplying out
a(b + c) ab + ac
Factorizing
Often:
When we expand an expression we remove the brackets.
When we factorize an expression we write it with brackets.
1 of 73 © Boardworks Ltd 2005
, Factorizing expressions
Writing 5x + 10 as 5(x + 2) is called factorizing the
expression.
Factorize 6a + 8 Factorize 12n – 9n2
The highest common The highest common
factor of 6a and 8 is 2. factor of 12n and 9n2 is 3n.
(6a + 8) ÷ 2 = 3a + 4 (12n – 9n2) ÷ 3n = 4 – 3n
6a + 8 = 2(3a + 4) 12n – 9n2 = 3n(4 – 3n)
2 of 73 © Boardworks Ltd 2005
