A9 - Factoring

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What is factoring in mathematics?

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Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, called factors.

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What is a factor?

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A factor is a number or algebraic expression that divides another number or expression evenly, without leaving a remainder.

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What does it mean to factor completely?

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Factoring completely means breaking down an expression into its simplest factors, such that no further factoring is possible.

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What is the difference between prime and composite numbers?

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A prime number has exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and itself. A composite number has more than two positive divisors.

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How do you factor a quadratic expression of the form ax^2 + bx + c?

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To factor a quadratic expression, find two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b. Use these numbers to split the middle term.

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How do you factor out the greatest common factor (GCF)?

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To factor out the GCF, identify the largest factor that divides all terms in the expression and factor it out.

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