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 Chapter 7 Factorization On the right hand side, the expression is the result of the
polynomial after factorization. It is the product of the two factors,
m and a + b − c . m is the common factor of ma + mb − mc .
7.1 Factorization a + b − c is the quotient obtained from dividing ma + mb − mc by
While learning fractions in arithmetic, we often need to simplify m.
a fraction or find the common denominator of two fractions. Hence From the above example, we can see that: If there is a common
we have to factorize a number into prime numbers. e.g. decompose factor in the polynomial, we can take the common factor out, use it to
33 into 3 ×11 , and 42 into 2 × 3 × 7 . divide the polynomial to find the quotient as the other factor. Then
While learning algebraic fractions in algebra we often simplify express the polynomial as the product of the two factors. This
an algebraic fraction or find the common denominator of several method of factorization is called taking common factors method.
fractions. Hence we need to express a polynomial as a product of
integral algebraic expressions. 【Example 1】Factorize 4a 3b 2 − 6ab3c .
Expressing a polynomial as a product of integral algebraic Solution! 4a 3b 2 − 6ab3c = 2ab 2 i 2a 2 − 2ab 2 i 3bc .
expressions is called factorization. = 2ab 2 (a 2 − 3bc)
Factorization is just the reverse of multiplication. For example,
in expanding (a + b)(a − b) we get a 2 − b 2 . Turning the process in From example 1, it can be seen that the common factor is the
reverse, transforming a 2 − b 2 into (a + b)(a − b) is factorization. product of the highest common factor of the coefficients multiplied
Hence by studying the multiplication of some integral algebraic by all the letters each of power with the lowest index.
expressions, we can develop methods for factorization.
The followings are some common methods of factorization. 【Example 2】Factorize 3x 2 − 6 xy + x .
Solution! 3x 2 − 6 xy + x = x i 3 x − x i 6 y + x i 1 .
= x(3x − 6 y + 1)
7.2 Taking common factors method
Let's look at an example of how to factorize a polynomial NOTE: In example 2, x = x i 1 . In writing a term, the coefficient of
am + bm − cm . From multiplication, we get '1' is usually omitted. However in factorization, care must be
m(a + b − c) = ma + mb − mc , taken to note that the coefficient of '1' is there after the
this means that ma + mb − mc can be decomposed into the products trailing algebraic letter is taking away as common factor.
of two factors m and a + b − c .
In the equation ma + mb − mc = m(a + b − c) , on the left hand 【Example 3】Factorize −4m3 + 16m 2 − 6m .
side is the polynomial ma + mb − mc . There is a factor m common Solution! −4m3 + 16m 2 − 6m = −(4m3 − 16m 2 + 6m) .
to all the terms of the polynomial. We call this factor a common = −(2m i 2m 2 − 2m i 8m + 2m i 3)
factor of the terms of the polynomial. So m is the common factor
= −2m(2m 2 − 8m + 3)
of all the terms of the polynomial ma + mb − mc .

- 265 - - 266 -
 If the coefficient of the first term of the polynomial is negative, Analysis: Regard this polynomial as the composite of two
then take the negative sign out so that the coefficient of the first term expressions. Since 2 − x = −( x − 2) , so each term has
becomes positive. When the negative sign is taken outside the common factor x − 2 , and the method of taking common
bracket, the signs of all the terms inside the bracket have to be factors can be used.
changed accordingly.
Solution! 6( x − 2) + x(2 − x) = 6( x − 2) − x( x − 2)
= ( x − 2)(6 − x)
Practice!
1. (Mental) Which of the following change from left side to the 【Example 6】Factorize 5( x − y )3 + 10( y − x) 2 .
right side of the equation is factorization? Which is not? Why?
Analysis: This polynomial can be regarded as the composite of two
(1) ( x + 2)( x − 3) = x 2 − x − 6 ; (2) x 2 − 4 = ( x + 2)( x − 2) ;
expressions too. Since ( y − x) 2 = [−( x − y )]2 = ( x − y ) 2 , so
(3) x 2 − 4 + 3x = ( x + 2)( x − 2) + 3 x .
each term has the common factor ( x − y ) 2 , and the
2. (Mental) If we use the method of taking common factor method,
which factor should be taken out? method of taking common factors can be used.
(1) ax + ay ; (2) 3mx − 6nx ; Solution! 5( x − y )3 + 10( y − x) 2 = 5( x − y )3 + 10( x − y ) 2
(3) 4a + 10ab ;
2
(4) 15a 2 + 5a ; = 5( x − y ) 2 i ( x − y ) + 5( x − y ) 2 i 2
(5) x 2 y + xy 2 ; (6) 12 xyz − 9 x 2 y 2 . = 5( x − y ) 2 [( x − y ) + 2]
3. Factorize the following expressions:
= 5( x − y ) 2 ( x − y + 2)
(1) nx − ny ; (2) a 2 + ab ;
(3) 4 x3 − 6 x 2 ; (4) 8m2 n + 2mn ; 【Example 7】Factorize 18b(a − b) 2 − 12(a − b)3 .
(5) 3a 2 y − 3ay + 6 y ; (6) a 2b + 5ab − b ; Solution! 18b(a − b) 2 − 12( a − b)3 = 6( a − b) 2 [3b − 2(a − b)]
(7) − x 2 + xy − xz ; (8) −24 x 2 y − 12 xy 2 + 28 y 3 ; = 6(a − b) 2 (3b − 2a + 2b)
(9) −3ma 2 − 6ma 2 + 12ma ; (10) 56 x 3 yz + 14 x 2 y 2 z − 21xy 2 z 2 = 6(a − b) 2 (5b − 2a )
Practice!
【Example 4】Factorize 2a (b + c) − 3(b + c) .
1. Add the correct sign (positive or negative) to the front of the
Analysis: Regard this polynomial as the composite of two brackets on the right so that the left hand side is equal to the
expressions: The first expression is 2a (b + c) and the right hand side:
second expression is −3(b + c) . The two expressions have (1) y − x = ( x − y ) ; (2) b − a = (a − b) ;
the common factor b + c . So the method of taking (3) d + c = (c + d ) ; (4) − z − y = ( y + z ) ;
common factors can be used. (5) (b − a) = (a − b) ;
2 2
(6) − x 2 + y 2 = ( x 2 − y 2 ) ;
Solution! 2a (b + c) − 3(b + c) = (b + c)(2a − 3) . (7) ( x − y )3 = ( y − x)3 ;
【Example 5】Factorize 6( x − 2) + x(2 − x) . (8) (1 − x)( x − 2) = ( x − 1)( x − 2) .

- 267 - - 268 -
 Practice! (4) (m + n)( p + q) − (m + n)( p − q) ;
2. Factorize the following expression: (5) a ( a − b) + ( a − b) 2 ;
(1) a ( x + y ) + b( x + y ) ; (2) 6( p + q) 2 − 2( p + q ) ; (6) x( x − y ) 2 − y ( x − y ) ;
(3) 2( x − y ) 2 − x( x − y ) ; (4) m(a − b) − n(b − a) ; (7) (2a + b)(2a − 3b) − 3a(2a + b) ;
(5) 3( y − x) 2 + 2( x − y ) ; (6) m( m − n) 2 − n( n − m) 2 ; (8) x( x + y )( x − y ) − x( x + y ) 2 .
(7) mn(m − n) − m(n − m) ; (8) 2
2 x ( x + y ) 2 − ( x + y )3 . 5. Factorize the following expression:
(1) p( x − y ) − q( y − x) ;
(2) m(a − m) + 2(3 − a) ;
(3) (a + b)(a − b) − (b + a) ;
Exercise 21! (4) a( x − a ) + b(a − x) − c( x − a) ;
1. Factorize the following expression: (5) 10a( x − y ) 2 − 5b( y − x) ;
(1) cx − cy + cz ; (2) px − qx − rx ; (6) x( x − y ) 2 − y ( y − x) ;
(3) 15a − 10a ;
3 2
(4) 12abc − 2bc 2 ; (7) 3( x − 1)3 y − (1 − x)3 z ;
(5) 4x y − xy ;
2 2
(6) 63 pq + 14 pq 2 ; (8) x(a − x)(a − y ) − y ( x − a )( y − a) .
(7) 24a 3 m − 18a 2 m 2 ; (8) xn y − xn z .
6. Use factorization to compute the following:
2. Fill in the bracket with the correct polynomial so that the right (1) 21× 3.14 + 62 × 3.14 + 17 × 3.14 ;
hand side is equal to the left hand side: (2) 2.186 × 1.237 − 1.237 × 1.186 .
(1) 14abx − 8ab 2 x + 2ax = 2ax( ); 7. Given the formula V = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 . When I = 2.5 , R1 = 19.7 ,
(2) −7ab − 14abx + 49aby = −7 ab( ).
R2 = 32.4 , R3 = 35.9 , use factorization to simplify the expression
3. Factorize the following expression: and then find the value of V.
(1) 15 x 3 y 2 + 5 x 2 y − 20 x 2 y 3 ;
(2) 6m 2 n − 15mn 2 + 30m 2 n 2 ;
(3) −16 x 4 − 32 x 3 + 56 x 2 ;
7.3 Formula Method
(4) −4a 3b 2 − 6a 2b − 2ab .
As factorization means the reverse of multiplication, we can
4. Factorize the following expression:
regard the reverse of some multiplication formula as a method to
(1) x(a + b) − y (a + b) ;
factorize certain polynomials. This method is called the Formula
(2) 5 x( x − y ) + 2 y ( x − y ) ; Method.
(3) 6q( p + q) − 4 p( p + q) ;

- 269 - - 270 -
1. Difference of Two Squares Method Solution!(1) 1 − 25b 2 = 1 − (5b) 2 = (1 + 5b)(1 − 5b) ;
We know that (2) x 2 y 2 − z 2 = ( xy ) 2 − z 2 = ( xy + z )( xy − z ) ;
2
(a + b)(a − b) = a 2 − b 2 4 2 ⎛2 ⎞
(3) m − 0.01n 2 = ⎜ m ⎟ − (0.1n) 2
In the reverse, we get 9 ⎝3 ⎠
⎛2 ⎞⎛ 2 ⎞
a 2 − b 2 = (a + b)(a − b) = ⎜ m + 0.1n ⎟ ⎜ m − 0.1n ⎟
⎝3 ⎠⎝ 3 ⎠
That is, the difference of two squares is equal to the product of
the sum and the difference of the two numbers. Using this formula, 【Example 2】Factorize the following expressions:
we can factorize an expression after formulating it into the difference (1) ( x + p) 2 − ( x + q ) 2 ;
of two squares. (2) 16(a − b) 2 − 9(a + b) 2 .
For example, to factorize x 2 − 16 and 9m 2 − 4n 2 , we cannot
Analysis: In the first question, ( x + p ) 2 − ( x + q ) 2 is the difference
use taking common factors. But we can see that 16 = 42 ,
of the two squares, x + p and x + q . In the second question,
9m 2 = (3m) 2 , 4n 2 = (2n) 2 , so x 2 − 16 = x 2 − 42 and
16(a − b) 2 − 9(a + b) 2 = [4(a − b)]2 − [3(a + b)]2 , so it is the
9m − 4n = (3m) − (2n) . Since the polynomials can be fouulated
2 2 2 2

difference of the squares of 4(a − b) and of 3(a + b) .

into the difference of two squares, we can use the formula
Thus both can be factorized by Formula Method.
a 2 − b 2 = (a + b)(a − b) to factorize the polynomials.
Solution!(1) ( x + p) 2 − ( x + q) 2 = [( x + p) + ( x + q)][( x + p) − ( x + q)]
x 2 − 16 = x 2 − 42 = ( x + 4)( x − 4) = (2 x + p + q)( p − q)
(2) 16(a − b) 2 − 9(a + b) 2
a 2 − b 2 = (a + b)(a − b) = [4( a − b)]2 − [3( a + b)]2
= [4( a − b) + 3( a + b)][4( a − b) − 3( a + b)]
9m 2 − 4n 2 = (3m) 2 − (2n) 2 = (3m + 2n)(3m − 2n)
= (7a − b)( a − 7b)

a 2 − b2 = ( a + b )( a − b ) 【Example 3】Factorize the following expression:

(1) x5 − x3 ; (2) x 4 − y 4 .
Solution!(1) x5 − x3 = x3 ( x 2 − 1) = x3 ( x + 1)( x − 1) ;
【Example 1】Factorize the following expressions.:
(2) x 4 − y 4 = ( x 2 ) 2 − ( y 2 ) 2
(1) 1 − 25b 2 ;
(2) x 2 y 2 − z 2 ; = ( x 2 + y 2 )( x 2 − y 2 )
4 2 = ( x 2 + y 2 )( x + y )( x − y )
(3) m − 0.01n 2 .
9

- 271 - - 272 -
NOTE: (1) If each of the terms of the polynomial has a common 2. Complete Square Formula Method
factor, take that common factor out first and continue to
factorize the remaining expression.; We know that
(2) In factorization, always factorize the expression until (a + b) 2 = a 2 + 2ab + b 2
no more factorization can be done to the expression. (a − b) 2 = a 2 − 2ab + b 2
Reversing both sides of the equation, we get
Practice!
1. Fill in the bracket with the correct positive expression so that a 2 + 2ab + b 2 = (a + b )2
both sides of the equation are equal: a 2 − 2ab + b 2 = (a − b)2
(1) 4 x 2 = ( )2 ; (2) 25m 2 = ( )2 ;
(3) 36a 4 = ( )2 ; (4) 0.09b 2 = ( )2 ; That is to say, the sum of the squares of two numbers, plus (or
16 2 minus) twice the product of the two numbers, is equal to the square
(5) 81n 6 = ( )2 ; (6) c =( )2 ; of the sum (or difference) of the two numbers. Therefore we call
49
expressions of the form a 2 + 2ab +b 2 and a 2 − 2ab + b 2
(7) 64 x 2 y 2 = ( )2 ; (8) 100 p 4 q 2 = ( )2 .
complete square expressions, and the above equations are called
2. (Mental) Factorize the following expression: Complete Square Identities. Using these two identities, we can
(1) x 2 − 4 ; (2) 9 − y 2 ; factorize complete square expressions accordingly.
(3) 1 − a 2 ; (4) 4x 2 − y 2 . Let us try some examples, factorize polynomial x 2 + 6 x + 9
3. Factorize the following expression: and polynomial 4 x 2 − 20 x + 25 . Polynomial x 2 + 6 x + 9 has three
1 terms, (i) the first term is square of x, (ii) the third term 9 is square of
(1) a 2 − x 2 ; (2) 36 − m 2 ; 3, (iii) the second term 6x is twice the product of 3 and x, therfore
9
(3) 4 x 2 − 9 y 2 ; polynomial x 2 + 6 x + 9 is a complete square expression. Using
(4) 0.81a 2 − 16b 2 ;
complete square identity a 2 + 2ab + b 2 = (a + b) 2 to factorize the
(5) 36n 2 − 1 ; (6) 25 p 2 − 49q 2 .
expression, we get
4. Can the following expression be factorized using the Difference
of Two Squares formula? If yes, what are the factors? if not, x 2 + 6 x + 9 = x 2 + 2 i x i 3 + 32 = ( x + 3) 2
state the reasons.
(1) x 2 + y 2 ; (2) x 2 − y 2 ; a 2 + 2 i a i b + b 2 = ( a + b) 2
(3) − x 2 + y 2 ; (4) − x 2 − y 2 . In a similar manner, polynomial 4 x 2 − 20 x + 25 also has 3 terms, the
5. Factorize the following expression: first term 4 x 2 is square of 2x, the third term 25 is suquare of 5, the
second term −20x is the opposite number to twice the product of 2x
(1) 4a 2 − (b + c) 2 ; (2) (3m + 2n) 2 − (m − n) 2 ;
and 5, therefore polynomial 4 x 2 − 20 x + 25 is a complete square
(3) 2ab3 − 2ab ; (4) x3 − 16 x ;
expression. Using complete square identity a 2 − 2ab + b 2 = (a − b) 2
(5) 1 − a4 ; (6) − x 4 + 16 .
to factorize the expression, we get
- 273 - - 274 -
 4 x 2 − 20 x + 25 = (2 x) 2 − 2 i 2 x i 5 + 52 = (2 x − 5) 2 3. Sum of Two Cubes formula and Difference of Two Cubes
formula
a 2 − 2 i a i b + b 2 = ( a − b) 2 We know that
【Example 4】Factorize 25 x 4 + 10 x 2 + 1 . (a + b)(a 2 − ab + b 2 ) = a 3 + b3
Solution! 25 x 4 + 10 x 2 + 1 = (5 x 2 ) 2 + 2 i 5 x 2 i 1 + 12 = (5 x 2 + 1) 2 . (a − b)(a 2 + ab + b 2 ) = a 3 − b3
Reversing the process we get
【Example 5】Factorize − x 2 − 4 y 2 + 4 xy .
a 3 + b 3 = (a + b )(a 2 − ab + b 2 )
Solution! − x 2 − 4 y 2 + 4 xy = −( x 2 + 4 y 2 − 4 xy )
a 3 − b 3 = (a − b)(a 2 + ab + b 2 )
= −( x 2 − 4 xy + 4 y 2 )
= −[ x 2 − 2 i 2 xy + (2 y ) 2 ] That is, the sum (difference) of two cubes is equal the product
of the sum of the two numbers multiplied by the combined result of
= −( x − 2 y ) 2
the sum of the squares of the two numbers minus (plus) the product
of the two numbers.
【Example 6】Factorize 3ax 2 + 6axy + 3ay 2 .
NOTE: In the formula, a 2 − ab + b 2 and a 2 + ab + b 2 are not perfect
Solution! 3ax 2 + 6axy + 3ay 2 = 3a( x 2 + 2 xy + y 2 ) = 3a ( x + y ) 2 . squares.
Practice!
1. Factorize the following expression: For example, factorize x3 + 8 and 27 − 8a 3 . Since 8 = 23 , so
(1) x 2 + 2 x + 1 ; (2) 4a 2 + 4a + 1 ; x3 + 8 is in the form of the sum of two cubes. We can use the
m2 formula, a 3 + b3 = (a + b)(a 2 − ab + b 2 ) to factorize the expression.
(3) 1 − 6 y + 9 y 2 ; (4) 1 + m + .
4 x3 + 8 = x 3 + 23 = ( x + 2)( x 2 − x i 2 + 22 )
2. Is the following expression a complete square expression? If
yes, how can it be factorized? If not, state the reasons.
a 3 + b3 = (a + b)(a 2 − a i b + b 2 )
(1) x 2 − 4 x + 4 ; (2) 1 + 16a 2 ;
(3) 4 x 2 + 4 x − 1 ; (4) x 2 + xy + y 2 .
Similarly since 27 = 33 , 8a 3 = (2a)3 and so 27 − 8a 3 is in the form
3. Factorize the following expression: of the difference of two cubes. We can use the formula a 3 − b3 =
(1) x 2 − 12 xy + 36 y 2 ; (2) 25 p 2 + 10 pq + q 2 ; (a − b)(a 2 + ab + b 2 ) to factorize the expression.
m 2 2mn 27 − 8a 3 = 33 − (2a)3 = (3 − 2a)[32 + 3 i 2a + (2a) 2 ]
(3) + + n2 ; (4) a 2 − 14ab + 49b 2 ;
9 3
(5) 16a + 24a 2b 2 + 9b 4 ;
4
(6) ( x + y ) 2 − 10( x + y ) + 25 ;
a 3 − b 3 = ( a − b) ( a 2 + a i b + b 2 )
(7) −2xy − x 2 − y 2 ; (8) ax + 2a x + a .
2 2 3

- 275 - - 276 -
【Example 7】Factorize the following expressions:
Exercise 22
a 3b3
(1) 27 − x 6 ; (2) 1 + . Factorize the following expressions (for questions 1 to 3):
8
1. (1) a 2 − 49 ; (2) 64 − x 2 ;
Solution!(1) 27 − x 6 = 33 − ( x 2 )3
(3) 1 − 36b 2 ; (4) m 2 − 81n 2 ;
= (3 − x 2 )[32 + 3 i x 2 + ( x 2 ) 2 ] (5) 0.49 p 2 − 144q 2 ; (6) 121x 2 − 4 y 2 ;
= (3 − x 2 )(9 + 3x 2 + x 4 ) 25 2
3 (7) a 2 p 2 − b 2 q 2 ; (8) a − x2 y 2 .
a 3b3 3 ⎛ ab ⎞ 4
(2) 1 + =1 +⎜ ⎟
8 ⎝ 2 ⎠ 2. (1) (m + n) − n ;
2 2
(2) 169(a − b) 2 − 196(a + b) 2 ;
ab ⎡ ab ⎛ ab ⎞ ⎤ (3) (2 x + y ) 2 − ( x + 2 y ) 2 ; (4) (a + b + c) 2 − (a + b − c) 2 ;
= ⎜⎛ 1 + ⎟⎞ ⎢12 − 1 i
2

+⎜ ⎟ ⎥
⎝ 2 ⎠⎣ 2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎦ (5) 4(2 p + 3q) 2 − (3 p − q) 2 ; (6) ( x 2 + y 2 ) 2 − x 2 y 2 .
ab ⎛ ab a 2b 2 ⎞
= ⎛⎜ 1 + ⎞⎟ ⎜1 − + ⎟ 3. (1) 81a 4 − b 4 ; (2) 8 y 4 − 2 y 2 ;
⎝ 2 ⎠⎝ 2 4 ⎠
(3) 3ax 2 − 3ay 4 ; (4) m 4 − 1 .
【Example 8】Factorize x − xy 3 .
4. Use factorization to evaluate the following:
Solution! x − xy 3 = x(1 − y 3 ) = x(1 − y )(1 + y + y 2 ) .
(1) 7582 − 2582 ; (4) 4292 − 1712 ;
Practice!
1. Fill in the bracket with the correct monomial so that both sides 5. As shown in the figure, in a square cardboard with side a cm,
four squares with side b ⎛⎜ b < ⎞⎟ cm are cut away from the four
of the equation are equal: a
(1) 64a 3 = ( )3 ; (2) 125n 6 = ( )3 ; ⎝ 2⎠
(3) 0.001x 3 = ( )3 ; (4) −27a 3b3 = ( )3 . corners. Given that a = 13.2, and b = 3.4, use factorization
method to find the remaining area.
2. Factorize the following expression:
(1) a 3 + 1 ; (2) 1 − m3 ;
(3) 8 p 3 − q 3 ; (4) 27 + x3 ;
(5) 1 − 27 y 6 ; (6) 125m3 + 8n3 ;
1
(7) p 6 − 64q 3 ; (8) m3n3 − .
125
3. Factorize the following expression: b
a
(1) 81 + 3x3 ; (2) y 4 − 8 y ;
m (No. 5) (No. 6)
(3) −27 − a 3 ; (4) 4m 4 − .
2

- 277 - - 278 -
6. In the figure, in a circular cardboard with radius R, four circles 15. (1) x5 − x3 y 2 ; (2) 16 x5 + 8 x3 y 2 + xy 4 ;
with radius r are cut away. Given that R = 7.8 cm and r = 1.1 cm,
(3) x 4 + xy 3 ; (4) 16x 4 − y 4 .
use factorization method to find the area of the remaining part
(Take π as 3.14, give the answer correct to 2 significant 16. First factorize the two expressions and then point out the common
numbers.). factor of the two expressions:
Factorize the following expressions (for question 7 to 11): (1) x 2 − 4 y 2 and x 2 + 4 xy + 4 y 2 ;
7. (1) x 2 − 2 x + 1 ; (2) a 2 + 8a + 16 ; (2) 9 x 2 − 24 x + 16 , 27 x3 − 64 and 9 x 2 − 16 .
(3) 1 − 4t + 4t 2 ; (4) m 2 − 14m + 49 ;
1
(5) b 2 − 22h + 121 ; (6) y 2 + y + .
4

8. (1) 25m 2 − 80m + 64 ; (2) 4a 2 + 36a + 81 ; 7.4 Trinomial (polynomial with three terms) of Second
x2 Degree Method
(3) 4 p 2 − 20 pq + 25q 2 ; (4) + xy + y 2 .
4 We know
( x + a)( x + b) = x 2 + (a + b) x + ab
9. (1) 25a − 40a b + 16b ;
4 2 2 4
(2) 36 x − 12 x y + y ;
4 2 2
Reversing the process, we get that
(3) a b − 4ab + 4 ;
2 2
(4) 16 − 8xy + x 2 y 2 .
x 2 + (a + b ) x + ab = ( x + a )( x + b )
10. (1) ( x + y ) + 6( x + y ) + 9 ;
2
(2) a − 2a (b + c) + (b + c) ;
2 2

(3) 4 − 12( x − y ) + 9( x − y ) 2 ; (4) (m + n) 2 + 4m(m + n) + 4m 2 . Thus, for a polynomial of 2nd degree and with three terms, if
the constant term q can be decomposed into the product of two
11. (1) 2xy − x 2 − y 2 ; (2) 4 xy 2 − 4 x 2 y − y 3 ; factors a, b and a + b = p then the polynomial can be factorized
(3) 3 − 6 x + 3x 2 ; (4) −a + 2a 2 − a 3 . x 2 + px + q = x 2 + (a + b) x + ab = ( x + a)( x + b) .
Factorize the following expressions (for questions 12 to 15): Using this formula, certain polynomial which is of degree two, with
three terms and the coefficient of the second degree term is 1, can be
12. (1) x3 − y 3 ; (2) x3 + 125 ; factorized.
(3) a 3 + 8b3 ; (4) 27m3 − n3 . For example, factorize the polynomial. It is of degree 2 and with
3 terms. We try to decompose 6 into the product of two factors and
1
13. (1) 1 − a 3 ; (2) 0.064 p 3 + 1 ; the sum of the two factors is equal to the coefficient of the 1st degree
8 term,5. As 6 = 2 × 3 and 2 + 3 = 5 , so
(3) x y − 27 ;
3 3
(4) p 3 − q 6 . x 2 + 5 x + 6 = ( x + 2)( x + 3) .
14. (1) (a + b)3 + c3 ; (2) (2 x + 1)3 − x3 ;
【Example 1】Factorize x 2 + 3x + 2 .
(3) −a − a 4 ; (4) 3x3 + 24 .

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Analysis: The constant term 2 can be decomposed into the product should have the same sign with that of the coefficient of the 1st
of 1 and 2 or −1 and −2 . Among them only the sum of 1 degree term.
and 2 equals to 3, same as the coefficient of 1st degree
term. 【Example 5】Factorize the following expression:
Solution!Since! 2 = 1× 2 and 1 + 2 = 3 , (1) x 4 + 6 x 2 + 8 ; (2) (a + b) 2 − 4(a + b) + 3 .
Solution!(1) x 4 + 6 x 2 + 8 = ( x 2 ) 2 + 6( x 2 ) + 8
x 2 + 3x + 2 = ( x + 1)( x + 2) .
= [( x 2 ) + 2][( x 2 ) + 4]
【Example 2】Factorize x − 7 x + 6 .
2
= ( x 2 + 2)( x 2 + 4)
Analysis: The constant term 6 can be decomposed into the product (2) (a + b) 2 − 4( a + b) + 3 = [(a + b) − 1][(a + b) − 3]
of 1 and 6 or −1 and −6 or 2 and 3 or −2 and −3 .
= (a + b − 1)(a + b − 3)
Among them only (−1) + (−6) = −7 which is equal to the
coefficient of 1st degree term. 【Example 6】Factorize x 2 − 3 xy + 2 y 2 .
Solution!Since! 6 = (−1) × (−6) and (−1) + (−6) = −7 ,
Analysis: Take x 2 − 3xy + 2 y 2 as the polynomial of x with degree 2
x − 7 x + 6 = [ x + (−1)][ x + (−6)] = ( x − 1)( x − 6) .
2
and three terms. Then the constant term is 2 y 2 . The
【Example 3】Factorize x 2 − 4 x − 21 . coefficient of the 1st degree term is −3 y . Decompose
2 y 2 into the product of − y and −2 y . (− y ) + (−2 y ) =
Analysis: The constant term −21 can be the decomposed into the
product of 1 and −21 or −1 and 21 or −3 and 7 or 3 −3 y is just equal to the coefficient of the 1st degree term.
and −7 . Among them only 3 + (−7) = −4 which is equal Solution! x 2 − 3xy + 2 y 2 = ( x − y )( x − 2 y ) .
to the coefficient of 1st degree term.
Solution!Since! −21 = 3 × (−7) and 3 + (−7) = −4 , 【Example 7】Factorize x 4 − 3x3 − 28 x 2 .
Solution! x 4 − 3 x3 − 28 x 2 = x 2 ( x 2 − 3 x − 28) = x 2 ( x + 4)( x − 7) .
x 2 − 4 x − 21 = ( x + 3)[ x + ( −7)] = ( x + 3)( x − 7) .
Practice!
【Example 4】Factorize x 2 + 2 x − 15 . 1. (Mental) Decompose the following number into the product of
Solution!Since! −15 = (−3) × 5 and (−3) + 5 = 2 , two factors (list out all the possible cases):
(1) 3; (2) −5 ; (3) 12; (4) −8 .
x 2 + 2 x − 15 = [ x + (−3)]( x + 5) = ( x − 3)( x + 5) .
Factorize the following expressions (questions 2 to 5):
From examples 1 to 4, it can be seen that: if the constant term is 2. (1) x 2 + 4 x + 3 ; (2) a 2 + 7 a + 10 ;
positive, it should be decomposed into two factors with the same sign. (3) y 2 − 7 y + 12 ; (4) q 2 − 6q + 8 ;
The sign should be the same as the coefficient of the 1st degree term. (5) x 2 + x − 20 ; (6) m 2 + 7m − 18 ;
If the constant term is negative, it should be decomposed into two (7) p 2 − 5 p − 36 ; (8) t 2 − 2t − 8 .
factors with different signs. The factor with greater absolute value

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 Practice! Analysis: Group the first two terms and the last two terms separately
into two groups. After taking the common factor a and c
3. (1) x 4 − x 2 − 20 ; (2) ax 2 + 7ax − 8 .
from each group respectively, there is a common factor
4. (1) a 2 − 9ab + 14b 2 ; (2) x 2 + 11xy + 18 y 2 . a − b in the each group, so a − b can be taken .
5. (1) x2 y 2 − 5x2 y − 6 x2 ; (2) −a 3 − 4a 2 + 12a . Solution! a 2 − ab + ac − bc = (a 2 − ab) + (ac − bc)
= a ( a − b) + c ( a − b)
= (a − b)(a + c)
7.5 Grouping for Decompose Method
1. Grouping to Take Common Factor Method 【Example 2】Factorize 2ax − 10ay + 5by − bx .
Analysis: The first two terms and the last two terms are grouped
Let's see how to factorize the polynomial separately to form two groups. The terms in the group are
ax + ay + bx + by . arranged in descending power of x. Then the common
There is no common factor among the terms and no direct factor 2a and −b are taken out from the two groups
formula can be used. However there is a common factor a among the respectively. Now x − 5 y is the common factor of the
first two terms and a common factor b among the last two terms. So two groups. x − 5 y can be taken out as the factor of the
we can separately group the first two terms and the last two terms
together. Then the polynomial becomes whole expression.
(ax + ay ) + (bx + by ) Solution! 2ax − 10ay + 5by − bx = (2ax − 10ay ) + (5by − bx)
Taking the factors a and b from each group, we get = (2ax − 10ay ) + (−bx + 5by )
a ( x + y ) + b( x + y ) = 2 a ( x − 5 y ) − b( x − 5 y )
Now there is a common factor x + y among the two groups. So we = ( x − 5 y )(2a − b)
can take the factor x + y out, and factorize the polynomial
completely into ( x + y )(a + b) . Thus Line for thought: In example 1 and 2 are there any other ways of
grouping? Is the result of factorization the same using other ways of
ax + ay + bx + by = (ax + ay ) + (bx + by )
grouping?
= a ( x + y ) + b( x + y )
= ( x + y )(a + b) 【Example 3】Factorize 3ax + 4by + 4ay + 3bx .
Using grouping to factorize is called grouping for decompose Analysis: In this polynomial, if the first two terms and the last two
method. From the above example, we can see that sometimes a terms are grouped separately, it cannot be factorized. But
common factor appears among the groups after some terms of a if the first and the third terms are group together as well as
polynomial are grouped. If so, the polynomial can be factorized by the second and the fourth terms are grouped together, then
grouping for decompose method. a and b can be taken out as the common factor and
3x + 4 y will be the other factor. So 3x + 4 y can be taken
【Example 1】Factorize a 2 − ab + ac − bc . out as the common factor of the whole expression.

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Solution! 3ax + 4by + 4ay + 3bx = (3ax + 4ay ) + (4by + 3bx) Solution! x 2 − y 2 + ax + ay = ( x 2 − y 2 ) + (ax + ay )
= (3ax + 4ay ) + (3bx + 4by ) = ( x + y )( x − y ) + a( x + y )
= a (3 x + 4 y ) + b(3 x + 4 y ) = ( x + y )[( x − y ) + a]
= (3x + 4 y )(a + b) = ( x + y )( x − y + a )

【Example 4】Factorize m 2 + 5n − mn − 5m . 【Example 6】Factorize a 2 − 2ab + b 2 − c 2 .

Solution! m 2 + 5n − mn − 5m = (m 2 − mn) + (5n − 5m) Analysis: Group the first three together to form a group. It is a
= (m 2 − mn) + (−5m + 5n) perfect square and can be expressed as (a − b) 2 . Now the
= m(m − n) − 5(m − n) whole expression can be factorized by using the formula
= (m − n)(m − 5) of the difference of two squares.

Line for thought: In example 3 and 4 are there any other ways of Solution! a 2 − 2ab + b 2 − c 2 = (a 2 − 2ab + b 2 ) − c 2
grouping? Is the result of factorization the same using other ways of = ( a − b) 2 − c 2
grouping? = [(a − b) + c][(a − b) − c]
Practice! = (a − b + c)(a − b − c)
Factorize the following expressions:
1. (1) 20( x + y ) + x + y ; (2) p − q + k ( p − q) ; From example 5 and 6 it can be seen that if the terms of the
polynomial are grouped in an appropriate way so that the terms in the
(3) 5m(a + b) − a − b ; (4) 2m − 2n − 4 x ( m − n) .
groups can be factorized using formula. Then the polynomial can be
2. (1) ac + bc + 2a + 2b ; (2) a 2 + ab − ac − bc ; factorized using grouping.
(3) 3a − ax − 3b + bx ; (4) xy − y 2 − yz + xz .
3. (1) 5ax + 6by + 5ay + 6bx ; (2) 【Example 7】Factorize x 3 + x 2 y − xy 2 − y 3 .
4 x 2 + 3z − 3xz − 4 x .
Solution! x3 + x 2 y − xy 2 − y 3 = ( x 3 + x 2 y ) − ( xy 2 + y 3 )
2. Grouping to use Formula Method = x2 ( x + y) − y 2 ( x + y)
【Example 5】Factorize x 2 − y 2 + ax + ay . = ( x + y )( x 2 − y 2 )
Analysis: Group the first two terms together. Though there is no = ( x + y )[( x + y )( x − y )]
common factors among these two terms, they can be = ( x + y)2 ( x − y)
factorized using formula of the difference of squares. After
that, x + y is one of the factors. The third and the fourth NOTE: x 2 − y 2 can be factorized and so it should be further
terms can be grouped together and after taking out the factorized.
common factor a , x + y is the other factor. x + y can be
taken out as the common factor of the whole expression. Now let's have a summary. A polynomial can be factorized with
the following steps:

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 1. If there is a common factor among the terms, take the Follow the straight lines to get the cross product of each line. Then
common factor out first; the sum of the cross products is a1c2 + a2 c1 . If the sum is equal to the
2. If there is no common factor, see if a formula can be used; coefficient(b) of the x term of the polynomial, then the polynomial
3. If the above methods cannot be used, try to use the method can be expressed as (a1 x + c1 )(a2 x + c2 ) , where a1 and c1 are the
of grouping for decompose method or the trinomial method
to factorize the expression; number on the first row and a2 and c2 are the numbers on the
4. The factorization process must be pursued until each factor second row.
cannot be further factorized. For example, Factorize the trinomial 3x 2 + 11x + 10 .We know
3 = 1× 3 and 10 = 2 × 5 . So expressing them on a cross as in the
Practice! following diagram
Factorize the following expression: 1 2
1. 4a 2 − b 2 + 6a − 3b .
2. 9m2 − 6m + 2n − n 2 .
3. x 2 − y 2 − z 2 + 2 yz . 3 5
4. x3 − x 2 y − xy 2 + y 3 . It can be seen that 1× 5 + 2 × 3 = 11 , so
3x 2 + 11x + 10 = ( x + 2)(3 x + 5) .
This method of drawing a cross to help in factorizing a trinomial
7.6 Cross-Multiplication Method of 2nd degree is called cross- multiplication method.
NOTE: There are many cases for cross-multiplication of the factors.
We know
Very often many attempts are needed in order to decide
(a1 x + c1 )(a2 x + c2 ) = a1a2 x 2 + a1c2 x + a2 c1 x + c1c2 whether it can be factorized and how it can be factorized. e.g.
= a1a2 x 2 + (a1c2 + a2 c1 ) x + c1c2 In the trinomial 3x 2 + 11x + 10 , the constant term can be
Reversing the process, we get written as the product of 1 and 10 , −1 and −10 , 2 and 5
a1a2 x 2 + (a1c2 + a2 c1 ) x + c1c2 = (a1 x + c1 )(a2 x + c2 ) . or −2 and −5 . The cross-multiplication
Bearing in mind this equality, we can use it in the following 1 2
ways to factorize some of the trinomials (polynomials with 3 terms
are called trinomials) in 2nd degree such as ax 2 + bx + c . First 3 5
express a = a1a2 and c = c1c2 , Write a1 and a2 , c1 and c2 as is correct, while the cross-multiplication
shown below: 1 5
a1 c1
3 2
a2 c2 is wrong. So when using cross-multiplication method, many
trials are needed .

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【Example】 Factorize the following expression: Exercise 23!
(1) 2 x 2 − 7 x + 3 ; (2) 6 x 2 − 7 x − 5 ;
Factorize the following expressions (For questions 1 to 4):
(3) 5 x 2 + 6 xy − 8 y 2 .
1. (1) x 2 + 9 x + 8 ; (2) x 2 − 10 x + 24 ;
Solution!(1) 2 x 2 − 7 x + 3 = ( x − 3)(2 x − 1) (3) x 2 + 3x − 10 ; (4) x 2 − 3x − 28 ;
1 −3 (5) a 2 + 4a − 21 ; (6) m 2 + 4m − 12 ;
(7) p 2 − 8 p + 7 ; (8) b 2 + 11b + 28 .
2 −1
2. (1) x 4 + 7 x 2 − 18 ; (2) x 6 + 8 x3 + 15 ;
(2) 6 x 2 − 7 x − 5 = (2 x + 1)(3x − 5) (3) m 2 x 2 − 8mx + 12 ; (4) x 2 y 2 − 7 xy + 10 .
2 1
3. (1) x 2 − 7 xy + 12 y 2 ; (2) a 2 + 2ab − 15b 2 ;
(3) m 2 + 4mn − 12n 2 ; (4) p 2 + 9 pq + 18q 2 .
3 −5

(3) 5 x 2 + 6 xy − 8 y 2 = ( x + 2 y )(5 x − 4 y ) 4. (1) − x 2 y + 6 xy − 8 y ; (2) (m + n) 2 − (m + n) − 30 ;

1 2y (3) ab 2 + 4abc + 3ac 2 ; (4) ( x − y ) 2 − 3( x − y ) − 40 .

5. Factorize the following expressions and then point out the

5 −4 y common factor in the three expressions:
(1) x 2 + 9 x + 14 , x3 − 49 x and x 2 + 2 x − 35 ;
Practice (2) x 2 + 2 x − 63 , x 2 + 18 x + 81 and x 2 + 12 x + 27
Factorize the following expression: Factorize the following expressions ( For question 6 to 14):
1. (1) 2 x + 15 x + 7 ;
2
(2) 3a − 8a + 4 ;
2 6. (1) am + an + bm + bn ; (2) xy − xz + y − z ;
(3) 8m 2 + 3m − 5 ; (4) 2 x 2 − 7 x − 15 ; (3) a + ab + ac + bc ;
2
(4) ax − 2bx + ay − 2by ;
(5) 4 xy − 3xz + 8 y − 6 z ; (6) x3 + 3x 2 + 3x + 9 .
(5) 5x2 + 7 x − 6 ; (4) 6 y 2 − 11y − 10 .
7. (1) 3 xy − 2 x − 12 y + 8 ; (2) ab − 5bc − 2a 2 + 10ac ;
2. (1) 6a 2 + 17 ab + 12b 2 ; (2) 15 x 2 − xy − 6 y 2 ;
(3) 5ax + 7 xy − 5bx − 7by ; (4) x3 y + 3x − 2 x 2 y 2 − 6 y .
(3) 5a 2b 2 + 23ab − 10 ; (4) 10 x 2 y 2 − 17abxy + 3a 2b 2 .
8. (1) 6ax + 15b 2 y 2 − 6b 2 x − 15ay 2 ; (2) 7 x 2 − 3 y + xy − 21x ;
(3) 3a 2 + bc − 3ac − ab ; (4) a 2 m + bn − an − abm .
9. (1) x 2 − a 2 − 2 x − 2a ; (2) a 3 − b3 − a + b ;
(3) 4 x 2 − 4 xy + y 2 − a 2 ; (4) 1 − m 2 − n 2 + 2mn .

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10. (1) a − a 3 ; (2) x3 − 15 x 2 − 16 x ; The decision on when to use integral multiplication and when to use
(3) x3 y − xy 3 ; (4) 5 x 5 − 15 x 3 y − 20 xy 2 ; factorization, will depend on what is needed in the circumstances.
(5) x + x 4 ; (6) a 4b − ab 4 . III. Factorization methods taught in this chapter are as follows:
(i) The Taking Common Factor Method is the most basic
11. (1) ( x 2 + 3x) 2 − (2 x + 6) 2 ; (2) 1 − 26a 2 + 25a 4 ; method used in factorization. As long as there are
(3) ( x 2 + 2 x) 2 − 7( x 2 + 2 x) − 8 ; (4) a 6 + 7a 3 − 8 . common factors among the terms, take the common
factors out first.
12. (1) 4 x 2 − y 2 + 2 x − y ; (2) ( x + y ) 4 + ( x + y ) 2 − 20 ; (ii) The Formula Method is a very powerful method in
(3) a 4 + a 3 + a + 1 ; (4) x 4 y + 2 x 3 y 2 − x 2 y − 2 xy 2 factorization. To apply the formula method, it is
important to know the special forms and their
13. (1) 2 x 2 + 3 x + 1 ; (2) 2 y 2 + y − 6 ; characteristics. In this chapter, we have learnt the
following five formula or identities:
(3) 6 x 2 − 13x + 6 ; (4) 3a 2 − 7a − 6 ;
a 2 − b 2 = (a + b)(a − b)
(5) 4n 2 + 4n − 15 ; (6) 6l 2 + l − 35 .
a 2 ± 2ab + b 2 = (a ± b) 2
14. (1) 6 x 2 − 11xy + 3 y 2 ; (2) 4m 2 + 8mn + 3n 2 ; a 3 ± b3 = (a ± b)(a 2 ∓ ab + b 2 )
(3) 16 x 2 − 31xy − 2 y 2 ; (4) 8m2 − 22mn + 15n 2 . (iii) The Cross-Multplication Method can be used to solve
some trinomials in 2nd degree. If the trinomial can be
expressed in the form of x 2 + (a + b) x + ab , then it
Chapter Summary can be factorized as ( x + a )( x + b) . The key is to
! know the relationship of a and b with the constant
I. The main objective of this chapter is to teach the concept of term and with the coefficient of the 1st degree term.
factorization and to teach some methods to factorize a polynomial. Then with due experience and intelligence, we can
decompose the constant term into multiplicative
II. In learning to factorize a polynomial, we need to understand factors a and b in such a way that the sum of a and b
the relationship between factorization and integral multiplication. is equal to the coefficient of the 1st degree term.
Integral multiplication is to multiply the factors of integral (iv) To apply the Grouping for Decompose Method well,
expressions together, which will result in a polynomial. Factorization the key for success is the ability to foresee the
is to decompose a polynomial as the product of factors, each of possibilities of the next step. We have learnt in some
which is an integral expression. e.g. examples that the next step may be the Taking
Expressing (a + b)(a − b) as a − b is integral multiplication and
2 2
Common Factor Method or the Formula Method.
expressing a 2 − b 2 as (a + b)(a − b) is factorization. Since there are many methods of factorization, we have to
integral multiplication analyze the situation on-hand to be able to apply the most appropriate
( a + b)( a − b) a2 − b2 method flexibly to tackle the problem.
Factorization
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 Revision Exercise 7! 5. Use factorize to simplify the computation of the following:
(1) 5% of 1297 minus 5% of 897. What is the difference?
Factorize the following expressions (For question1 to 4): (2) 36% of 869 plus 54% of 869. What is the sum?
1. (1) x 2 − 64 ; (2) x3 − 64 ; 6. In a city the sewage system is
(3) x 4 + 64 x ; (4) x 4 − 64 x 2 ; to be repaired. A hollow L
(5) a m +1 + a m ; (6) y n + 2 − y n ; concrete pipe with the
(7) (a − b)( x − y ) − (b − a)( x + y ) ; following requirement is to be
set up. Refer to the Diagram D d
(8) x( p − q) − y ( p − q ) + z (q − p) ;
internal diameter d = 45 cm,
(9) 25( x + y ) 2 − 16( x − y ) 2 ; external diameter D = 75 cm
(10) p 2 ( p + q) 2 − q 2 ( p − q) 2 ; and length L = 300 cm. Using
(No. 6)

(11) (a + b + c) 2 − (a − b − c) 2 ; factorization method, find the volume (in m3) of the concrete
needed to make such a pipe (take π as 3.14 and give the answer
(12) (a + b) 2 + 2(a + b) − 15 ;
in 2 significant figures.).
1
2. (1) m3n3 + 27 ; (2) 1 − a 3 ; 7. Given two consecutive odd numbers 2n − 1 and 2n + 1 (where n
64 is an integer), show that the difference of the squares of the two
(3) 4 − (3a + 2b) ; 2
(4) ( x + 4) 2 − 16 x 2 ;
2
consecutive numbers (the greater one minus the smaller one,
(5) x 2 − xy − 30 y 2 ; (6) a 2 x 2 + 16ax + 64 ; same in question 8) is a multiple of 8.
(7) a 4 − 5a 2b 2 + 4b 4 ; (8) x5 − x 3 y 2 − 12 xy 4 ; 8. (1) Use algebraic expression to represent the difference of two
(9) (a − b) n + 2 − (a − b) n ; (10) x n +1 − 3x n + 2 x n −1 ; consecutive numbers and the sum of the two consecutive
numbers. Are these two expressions the same?
(11) ( x + y ) 2 − 14 y ( x + y ) + 49 y 2 ; (2) Use algebraic expression to represent the difference of two
(12) (3a − 4b)(7a − 8b) + (11a − 12b)(7a − 8b) . consecutive odd numbers and the sum of the two
3. (1) x3 z − 4 x 2 yz + 4 xy 2 z ; (2) ( x + 2)( x + 3) + x 2 − 4 ; consecutive odd numbers. What is the relationship between
(3) x 2 − 4 y 2 + x + 2 y ; (4) x 2 − 6 x + 9 − y 2 ; these two expressions?
(5) a 3 x 2 − c 3 x 2 − a 3 y 2 + c 3 y 2 ; (6) (a 2 + b 2 − 1) 2 − 4a 2b 2 ; Factorize the following expressions (For questions 9 to10)
(7) x5 − x 3 + x 2 − 1 ; 9. (1) 3x 2 + x − 2 ; (2) 20 y 2 + y − 1 ;
(8) 10a 2 x + 21xy 2 − 14ax 2 − 15ay 2 ; (3) 14 x 2 + x − 3 ; (4) 12t 2 − 8t − 7 .
⎛1 2 3 ⎞ ⎛1 2
2
3 ⎞
2
10. (1) 7 p 2 − 5 pq − 2q 2 ; (2) 6 x 2 − 5 xy − 6 y 2 ;
(9) ⎜ x + y − z ⎟ − ⎜ x − y + z ⎟ ;
⎝2 3 4 ⎠ ⎝2 3 4 ⎠ (3) 30a 2 − ab − b 2 ; (4) 18 x 2 − 21xy + 5 y 2 .
(10) 4b c − (b + c − a ) .
2 2 2 2 2 2

(This chapter is translated to English by courtesy of Mr. SIN Wing

4. (1) (ax + by ) 2 + (bx − ay ) 2 ; (2) ab(c 2 + d 2 ) + cd (a 2 + b 2 ) . Sang, Edward, and reviewed by courtesy of Ms. YIK Kwan Ying.)

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