Factoring Trinomials, Slide and divide

When factoring Trinomials of the form ax^2 + bx + c.  I prefer the method of decompostion:

• Step 1 – find the value of AC

• Step 2 – find integers a and b whose PRODUCT is AC and whose SUM adds up to B (order of arrangement of a and b WILL NOT matter) – can do in a vertical column for easier visibility. Don’t forget to account for signs!

• Step 3 – rewrite as Ax^2 + ax + bx + C

• Step 4 – factor by grouping where (Ax^2 + ax) + (bx + C) and factor out GCF from each group and common factor again

However you might want to try the slide and divide method.  To see it, click here.