this week in math we learned how to more easily factor trinomials.

take 3x² + 10x + 8 for example. what you want to do is multiply the leading coefficient (3) by the last number (8) and 3 x 8 = 24.

now you have to find out what equation gets the product of 24 but also has the sum of 10 (the number in the middle).

there is 1 x 24, 2 x 12, 3 x 8, 4 x 6. 4 + 6 = 10 so we know that’s what it is.

to get a binomial you have to arrange the parts of the equation in a box like this:

the first part of the equation (3x²) goes in the top left box, the last part (8) goes in the bottom right, the numbers you just figured out ( 6 and 4) in the other boxes with an x behind them.

now you have to see whats similar with the numbers by seeing what you can divide into them. like this

and now you have your answer (x + 2) (3x + 4).

it takes a bit to explain but it can work a lot faster in your head.