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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.
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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

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Glossary

quadratic

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

union

The union of two sets A and B is the set containing all the elements of A and B.

Full Glossary List

This question appears in the following syllabi:

SyllabusModuleSectionTopicExam Year
AP Calculus AB (USA)1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
AP Calculus BC (USA)1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
AQA A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
AQA AS Maths 2017Pure MathsAlgebraFactorising Quadratics-
AQA AS/A2 Maths 2017Pure MathsAlgebraFactorising Quadratics-
CBSE IX (India)AlgebraPolynomialsFactorisation of quadratics-
CCEA A-Level (NI)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
CIE A-Level (UK)P1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
Edexcel A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
Edexcel AS Maths 2017Pure MathsQuadraticsFactorising Quadratics-
Edexcel AS/A2 Maths 2017Pure MathsQuadraticsFactorising Quadratics-
I.B. Higher Level2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
I.B. Standard Level2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
Methods (UK)M1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
I.B. (MSSL)2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
OCR A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
OCR AS Maths 2017Pure MathsEquations and QuadraticsFactorising Quadratics-
OCR MEI AS Maths 2017Pure MathsQuadraticsFactorising Quadratics-
OCR-MEI A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
Pre-U A-Level (UK)1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
Scottish (Highers + Advanced)HM2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
Scottish HighersM2Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
Universal (all site questions)AAlgebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-
WJEC A-Level (Wales)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising-