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kayduit
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I need help Factoring 14 Jan 2019, 05:23
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Hello Everyone,

I understand factoring and the theory behind it. However, I have issues coming up with the factorisations myself. Once I see an answer i can work towards it, but doing it myself is impossible. I don't know what the steps are that people take. In the official GMAT guide for example this problem is shown:

Step 1: 3x2 −3=8x
Step 2: 3x2 −8x−3=0
Step 3: (3x + 1)(x − 3) = 0
Step 4: 3x + 1 = 0 or x − 3 = 0
Step 5: x = − 13 o r x = 3

I understand how they go from step 2 to 3, but I would never be able to think of that myself. is there an easy way of coming up with this?

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I need help Factoring 14 Jan 2019, 05:53
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kayduit
Hello Everyone,

I understand factoring and the theory behind it. However, I have issues coming up with the factorisations myself. Once I see an answer i can work towards it, but doing it myself is impossible. I don't know what the steps are that people take. In the official GMAT guide for example this problem is shown:

Step 1: 3x2 −3=8x
Step 2: 3x2 −8x−3=0
Step 3: (3x + 1)(x − 3) = 0
Step 4: 3x + 1 = 0 or x − 3 = 0
Step 5: x = − 13 o r x = 3

I understand how they go from step 2 to 3, but I would never be able to think of that myself. is there an easy way of coming up with this?
Show more

There are several ways to solve quadratics. Check the links below:

Factoring Quadratics
Solving Quadratic Equations


7. Algebra



For more check Ultimate GMAT Quantitative Megathread

Hope it helps.
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I need help Factoring 14 Jan 2019, 05:57
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kayduit
Hello Everyone,

I understand factoring and the theory behind it. However, I have issues coming up with the factorisations myself. Once I see an answer i can work towards it, but doing it myself is impossible. I don't know what the steps are that people take. In the official GMAT guide for example this problem is shown:

Step 1: 3x2 −3=8x
Step 2: 3x2 −8x−3=0
Step 3: (3x + 1)(x − 3) = 0
Step 4: 3x + 1 = 0 or x − 3 = 0
Step 5: x = − 13 o r x = 3

I understand how they go from step 2 to 3, but I would never be able to think of that myself. is there an easy way of coming up with this?
Show more

Don't worry if you're unable to factories it that way.
Fortunately, we have an alternative and better approach for Quadratic equations of form ax²+bx+c=0

Use Quadratic formula to get roots directly.
Formula is ;

X = [-b±(b²-4ac)^½]/2a

Even if you want to factories only, than also you can use this formula. For example, if you get x=1,2 with this formula, then the factors will be (x-1)(x-2).

You can use this formula in other situations too.

Let me know if the answer was helpful.

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I need help Factoring 14 Jan 2019, 06:40
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Hi kayduit, Welcome to GMAT Club!

Quadratic factorization is fairly challenging for most people who are not from a math-heavy background. But a bunch of practice helps and I can assure you that you will only get better with every problem you solve. I have dave13 who could back up my claim as he as witnessed such an improvement first-hand :-)

Now, let's take a look at the example you have quoted. I'll add my comments so you can get an idea of what goes through the mind of an advanced test taker.

\(3x^2 −3=8x\) ...Okay, so this is a quadratic equation, need to get everything on one side so as to bring it into standard form
\(3x^2 −8x−3=0\) ...Product of the roots is -3/3 = -1 and sum of the roots is 8/3 ( this is standard formula), so I need to find two numbers a & b such that ab = -9 and sum is -8 ... this comes out to be -9 and 1...
\(3x^2 -9x + x - 3 = 0\) ... (Using the previous thinking -> -9x + x = -8x)
\(3x(x - 3)+1(x -3) = 0\) ...Now (x-3) is common
\((3x + 1)(x − 3) = 0\) Taking the common factor out and finidng two clean product - that's it, factorization is complete
\(3x + 1 = 0\) or \(x − 3 = 0\)
\(x = − 13\) or \(x = 3\)

Remember, for successful algebraic factorization it is important that you split the middle term correctly. Feel free to tag or send a PM if you have follow-up questions. :-)

Happy learning!
kayduit
Hello Everyone,

I understand factoring and the theory behind it. However, I have issues coming up with the factorisations myself. Once I see an answer i can work towards it, but doing it myself is impossible. I don't know what the steps are that people take. In the official GMAT guide for example this problem is shown:

Step 1: 3x2 −3=8x
Step 2: 3x2 −8x−3=0
Step 3: (3x + 1)(x − 3) = 0
Step 4: 3x + 1 = 0 or x − 3 = 0
Step 5: x = − 13 o r x = 3

I understand how they go from step 2 to 3, but I would never be able to think of that myself. is there an easy way of coming up with this?
Show more

Archived Topic
Hi there,
This topic has been closed and archived due to inactivity or violation of community quality standards. No more replies are possible here.
Where to now? Join ongoing discussions on thousands of quality questions in our Quantitative Questions Forum
Still interested in this question? Check out the "Best Topics" block above for a better discussion on this exact question, as well as several more related questions.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!