Hello, and welcome to the TMS Math page! In Mrs. Gore's Algebra class, we are currently learning to factor polynomials. Below is a helpful tutorial for this subject.

 

 

 

STEP 1: Identify the problem.

a2 + 5a + 4

STEP 2: Find a pair of numbers that add to the 2nd term and multiply to the 3rd term.

1,4     1 + 4 = 5     1 x 4 = 4

STEP 3: Write the finished product. (a + 1st number)(a + 2nd number)

(a +1)(a + 4)