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Factorizing quadratic expressions is the opposite of multiplying out the brackets. For example the expression (x+1)(x+3) can be multiplied out to give x^2+4x+3. Going the other way or reversing this process is called factorizing.

Summary/Background

The ability to factorize quadratic functions is essential to making sound progress in advanced mathematics. It is a skill. You get better with practice.

Software/Applets used on this page

jsMath
This page uses jsMath You can get a better display of the maths by downloading special TeX fonts from jsMath. In the meantime, we will do the best we can with the fonts you have, but it may not be pretty and some equations may not be rendered correctly.

Glossary

quadratic

A mathematical expression of the 2nd degree; having a x² term but no higher one.