Factors - Third Year Revision

In third year the same types of factors are covered, but the questions might be a little harder.

Be able to recognise the four types of factors that you are likely to come across and  know how to factorise each type.

• Highest Common Factor - always check for a HCF first.
• Factorise by Grouping - you may need to regroup before you can factorise.
• Quadratic Expressions - the guide number method works well here especially if the coefficient of x squared is not one.
• The Difference of Two Squares.

Sometimes after you find the HCF you can break it down further - you might end up with 3 factors.

Notes and Examples here - also see second year post.

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