Factoring Equations

Help Questions

SAT Math › Factoring Equations

Questions 1 - 10
1

Factor the following equation.

x2 – 16

(x + 4)(x + 4)

(x – 4)(x – 4)

(x + 4)(x – 4)

(x)(x – 4)

(x2)(4 – 2)

Explanation

The correct answer is (x + 4)(x – 4)

We neen to factor x2 – 16 to solve. We know that each parenthesis will contain an x to make the x2. We know that the root of 16 is 4 and since it is negative and no value of x is present we can tell that one 4 must be positive and the other negative. If we work it from the multiple choice answers we will see that when multiplying it out we get x2 + 4x – 4x – 16. 4x – 4x cancels out and we are left with our answer.

2

Factor the following equation.

x2 – 16

(x + 4)(x + 4)

(x – 4)(x – 4)

(x + 4)(x – 4)

(x)(x – 4)

(x2)(4 – 2)

Explanation

The correct answer is (x + 4)(x – 4)

We neen to factor x2 – 16 to solve. We know that each parenthesis will contain an x to make the x2. We know that the root of 16 is 4 and since it is negative and no value of x is present we can tell that one 4 must be positive and the other negative. If we work it from the multiple choice answers we will see that when multiplying it out we get x2 + 4x – 4x – 16. 4x – 4x cancels out and we are left with our answer.

3

if x – y = 4 and x2 – y = 34, what is x?

12

9

15

6

10

Explanation

This can be solved by substitution and factoring.

x2 – y = 34 can be written as y = x2 – 34 and substituted into the other equation: x – y = 4 which leads to x – x2 + 34 = 4 which can be written as x2 – x – 30 = 0.

x2 – x – 30 = 0 can be factored to (x – 6)(x + 5) = 0 so x = 6 and –5 and because only 6 is a possible answer, it is the correct choice.

4

if x – y = 4 and x2 – y = 34, what is x?

12

9

15

6

10

Explanation

This can be solved by substitution and factoring.

x2 – y = 34 can be written as y = x2 – 34 and substituted into the other equation: x – y = 4 which leads to x – x2 + 34 = 4 which can be written as x2 – x – 30 = 0.

x2 – x – 30 = 0 can be factored to (x – 6)(x + 5) = 0 so x = 6 and –5 and because only 6 is a possible answer, it is the correct choice.

5

Solve for a.

No solution

Explanation

The expression can be factored.

We must find two numbers that added together equal -7, and multiplied together equal 60. Those two numbers are -12 and 5.

Now we can set both terms equal to zero and solve for a.

,

6

If x_2 + 2_ax + 81 = 0. When a = 9, what is the value of x?

0

3

9

–9

–18

Explanation

When a = 9, then x_2 + 2_ax + 81 = 0 becomes

x_2 + 18_x + 81 = 0.

This equation can be factored as (x + 9)2 = 0.

Therefore when a = 9, x = –9.

7

If x_2 + 2_ax + 81 = 0. When a = 9, what is the value of x?

0

3

9

–9

–18

Explanation

When a = 9, then x_2 + 2_ax + 81 = 0 becomes

x_2 + 18_x + 81 = 0.

This equation can be factored as (x + 9)2 = 0.

Therefore when a = 9, x = –9.

8

Solve for a.

No solution

Explanation

The expression can be factored.

We must find two numbers that added together equal -7, and multiplied together equal 60. Those two numbers are -12 and 5.

Now we can set both terms equal to zero and solve for a.

,

9

Factor .

Cannot be factored

Explanation

First pull out any common terms: 4_x_3 – 16_x_ = 4_x_(_x_2 – 4)

_x_2 – 4 is a difference of squares, so we can also factor that further. The difference of squares formula is _a_2 – _b_2 = (ab)(a + b). Here a = x and b = 2. So _x_2 – 4 = (x – 2)(x + 2).

Putting everything together, 4_x_3 – 16_x_ = 4_x_(x + 2)(x – 2).

10

Factor .

Cannot be factored

Explanation

First pull out any common terms: 4_x_3 – 16_x_ = 4_x_(_x_2 – 4)

_x_2 – 4 is a difference of squares, so we can also factor that further. The difference of squares formula is _a_2 – _b_2 = (ab)(a + b). Here a = x and b = 2. So _x_2 – 4 = (x – 2)(x + 2).

Putting everything together, 4_x_3 – 16_x_ = 4_x_(x + 2)(x – 2).

Page 1 of 5
Return to subject