IGCSE Maths / Working with algebra

Factorising with a coefficient revision notes

Edexcel International GCSE Maths (4MA1), chapter 4: Working with algebra, specification point 2.2b. Part of the full course.

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Factorising a quadratic with a coefficient in front of x² means rewriting it as two brackets. Multiply the coefficient of x² by the constant term to find the pair that splits the middle term, then use the grid to build the brackets.

More lessons in Working with algebra

• Order of operations
• Collecting like terms
• Substituting into expressions and formulae
• Index laws with algebraic terms
• Fractional indices
• Expanding a single bracket
• Expanding double brackets
• Expanding triple brackets
• Factorising with a common factor
• Factorising quadratics of the form x squared plus bx plus c
• Difference of two squares
• Writing and deriving a formula
• Changing the subject of a formula
• When the subject has a power on it