Funadvice Logo
+ List
More Education & School Questions

How Do I Factorise In Maths?

I really don’t get factorising, I’m doing a GCSE past paper and I have this question:

factorise x² -6x + 8

Could someone explain how to do it please, not just give me the answer?

Thanks xx

Become an Expert →
Answer #1

I think voxx meant (x-4) (x-2)

Answer #2

You look at numbers that will multiply into +8 and will add up into -6

First just do the numbers, 1 x 8 2 x 4

well that’s about it. But it has to multiply to + 8

1 x 8 = 8 -1 x - 8 = 8 so 2 x 4 = 8 -2 x -4 = 8

now it also has to add to -6

1 + 8 = 9 -1 + - 8 = -9 2 + 4 = 6 -2 + -4 = -6

(x-2) (x-4) = x2 - 4x - 2x + 8 = x2 - 6x + 8

It will get faster once you can do it in your head, but those are the steps for now.

Answer #3

In addition to the person above, you’d write the answer like this: (x-4)(x+2) Since there are two x’s(x squared equals x times x), you need two x’s in the answer…hope that makes sense. :)

More Like This
Ask an advisor one-on-one!
Advisor

Smart Math Tutoring

Online Education, Test Preparation, Tutoring Services

Advisor

Kids Math Games

Education, Children's Entertainment, Online Games

Advisor

Fun Math Games for Kids

Education, Children's Entertainment, Online Learning

Advisor

Club Math

Education, Tuition Center, Mathematics

Advisor

Math Monkey Brunei Kuala Belait

Education, Mathematics, Child Development