essentially inspection just like you would for monic ones albeit with slightly messier numbers at timesGreetings, are there any tricks to determine how to factor non-monic quadratic equations?
for example, what would be the common thought process to factor something like
y = 6x^2-5x+1
Thanks in advance
I would only use this for factorisation if worst comes to worst you can't get it by other means, otherwise inspection is usually faster and more efficientjust use quadratic formula
Best way to do it, if one is unable to do it by inspectiony = 6x^2-5x+1
So I would add the constant for x^2 and the final constant, i.e. 6 x 1 =6
Then I know that I need two numbers which will multiply to give me 6, and add to give me -5 (constant in front of x)
You basically just think through factors: -3 and -2 seems to do it
Then you split the constant in front of x into these two factors, i.e.
y= 6x^2 - 3x - 2x + 1
Now you can factorise:
y = 3x(2x -1 ) - 1(2x-1)
i.e. = (3x-1)(2x-1)
Hope that makes sense haha. Its a lengthy process (this method is anyway), but once you practice enough, it will be faster than the cross-method (which relies on trial and error)
yeah that is true. Over time you just become accustomed to the process and really quick with it.Over time the inspection becomes intuitive. I started doing it this way and I think with time speed develops and your mind programs it to make it intuitive