How to Factor Trinomials (ac Method)
Systematic approach to factoring quadratic expressions:
STEP 01
Find Product ac
Multiply leading coefficient a by constant c.
STEP 02
Find Factor Pairs
Identify two numbers p and q such that p·q = ac and p + q = b.
STEP 03
Split Middle Term
Rewrite ax² + bx + c as ax² + px + qx + c.
STEP 04
Factor by Grouping
Group in pairs and pull out common binomial factor.