3. In this first example, the equation is
already factored and is set equal to zero.
To solve, simply set the individual factors
equal to zero.
x 3
2x 1
0
x 3 0 or 2x 1 0
x 3or 2x 1
x 3 or x
1
2
The solutions are -3 and 1/2.
4. In this example, you must first factor
the equation. Notice the familiar
pattern. After factoring, set the
individual factors equal to zero.
9x2
4 0
3x 2
3x 2
0
3x 2 0or 3x 2 0
3x 2or 3x 2
2 2
or
3 3
x x
Factor using “difference of two squares.”
5. In the next example, you must set the
equation equal to zero before factoring.
Then set the individual factors equal to
zero and solve.
x2
6x 27 0
x 9
x 3
0
x 9 0 or x 3 0
9 or 3
x x
x2
27 6x
6. Re-write this example in the proper
form. Notice that the leading coefficient
is not one. Use an appropriate factoring
technique. Then solve as you have
done before.
2x2
5x 3 0
2x 1
x 3
0
2x 1 0 or x 3 0
1
2
or 3
x x
2x2
3 5x
7. This one uses a different technique
than the previous ones. Really, this is
something you should consider at the
beginning of every factoring problem.
See if you can solve it.
2x x 4
0
2x 0or x 4 0
0 or 4
x x
2x2
8x 0
Did you take out GCF?
8. Now, try several problems. Write these
on your own paper, showing all steps
carefully.
1. 3y 5
2y 7
0
2. x2
x 12
3. d2
5d 0
4. 4c2
25
5. 18u2
1 3u
After completion,
click here.
9. Here are the answers.
For help, click on the numbers.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
If all are correct,
you’re finished!
y 5 3or y 7 2
x 4 or x 3
d 0or d 5
c 5 2 or c 5 2
u 1 6 or u 1 3
10. 3y 5
2y 7
0
3y 5 0 or 2y 7 0
3y 5 or 2y 7
y 5 3 or y 7 2
Back to questions
11. x
2
x 12
x2
x 12 0
x 4
x 3
0
x 4 0 or x 3 0
x 4 or x 3 Back to questions
12. d2
5d 0
d d 5
0
d 0 or d 5 0
d 0 or d 5
Back to questions
13. 4c2
25
4c2
25 0
2c 5
2c 5
0
2c 5 0 or 2c 5 0
2c 5 or 2c 5
c 5 2 or c 5 2
Back to questions
14. 18u
2
3u 1
18u
2
3u 1 0
6u 1
3u 1
0
6u 1 0 or 3u 1 0
6u 1or 3u 1
u 1 6 or u 1 3
Back to questions