EXAMPLES OF CONVERTING FROM STANDARD FORM TO FACTORED FORM

Quadratic equations will be written in three forms.

(i) Standard form

(ii) Factored form

(iii) Vertex form

Here we see examples to show how to convert standard form to factored form.

The general form any quadratic equation will be in the form

ax2 + bx + c

To factorize a quadratic polynomial, we have to check whether the coefficient of x2 is 1 or not equal to 1. 

If it is 1, take the constant alone and decompose it into two parts. Such that the product of those two terms should be equal to c and when we simplify, we should get b.

If it is not 1, take the constant alone and decompose it into two parts. Such that the product of those two terms should be equal to ac and when we simplify, we should get b.

Quadratic function

y = ax2 + bx + c

y = ax2 - bx + c

y = ax2 - bx - c


y = ax2 + bx - c

Sign of factors

Both factors are positive

Both factors are negative

The greater number will be positive, smaller number will be negative

The greater number will be negative, smaller number will be positive

Convert the following quadratic function from standard form to factored form.

Example 1 :

y = x2 - 4x + 4

Solution :

y = x2 - 4x + 4

Leading coefficient = 1 (coefficient of x2)

Constant = 4

Factors of 4 = -2 ⋅ (-2) and -2 + (-2) ==> -4

y = x2 - 2x - 2x + 4

Factoring x from first two terms and factoring 2 from third and fourth term.

y = x(x - 2) - 2(x - 2)

Factored form :

y = (x - 2) (x - 2)

Example 2 :

y = 2x2 - x - 1

Solution :

y = 2x2 - x - 1

Leading coefficient = 2 (coefficient of x2)

Constant = -1

Factors of -2 = -2 ⋅ 1 and -2 + 1 ==> -1

y = 2x2 - 2x + 1x - 1

y = 2x(x - 1) + 1(x - 1)

Factored form :

y = (2x + 1) (x - 1)

Example 3 :

y = x2 - 5x + 6

Solution :

y = x2 - 5x + 6

Leading coefficient = 1 (coefficient of x2)

Constant = -6

Factors of -6 = -2 ⋅ (-3) and -2 + (-3) ==> -5

y = x2 - 2x - 3x + 6

y = x(x - 2) - 3(x - 2)

Factored form :

y = (x - 2) (x - 3)

Example 4 :

y = x2 - 5x - 6

Solution :

y = x2 - 5x - 6

Leading coefficient = 1 (coefficient of x2)

Constant = -6

Factors of -6 = 1 ⋅ (-6) and 1 + (-6) ==> -5

y = x2 + 1x - 6x - 6

y = x(x + 1) - 6(x + 1)

Factored form :

y = (x - 6) (x + 1)

Example 5 :

y = x2 - 17x + 72

Solution :

y = x2 - 17x + 72

Leading coefficient = 1 (coefficient of x2)

Constant = 72

Factors of 72 = -8 ⋅ (-9) and -8 + (-9) ==> -17

y = x2 - 8x - 9x + 72

y = x(x - 8) - 9(x - 8)

Factored form :

y = (x - 8) (x - 9)

Example 6 :

y = 4x2 - 12x + 9

Solution :

y = 4x2 - 12x + 9

Leading coefficient = 4 (coefficient of x2)

Constant = 9

Factors of 36 = -6 ⋅ (-6) and -6 + (-6) ==> -12

y = 4x2 - 6x - 6x + 9

Factoring 2x from 4x2 - 6x and factoring -3 from - 6x + 9, we get

y = 2x(2x - 3) - 3(2x - 3)

Factored form :

y = (2x - 3) (2x - 3)

Example 7 :

y = 4x2 + 28x + 49

Solution :

y = 4x2 + 28x + 49

Leading coefficient = 4 (coefficient of x2)

Constant = 49

Factors of 196 = 14 ⋅ 14 and 14 + 14 ==> 28

y = 4x2 + 14x + 14x + 49

Factoring 2x from 4x2 + 14x and factoring 7 from 14x + 49, we get

y = 2x(2x + 7) + 7(2x + 7)

Factored form :

y = (2x + 7) (2x + 7)

Example 8 :

y = 9x2 + 6x + 1

Solution :

y = 9x2 + 6x + 1

Leading coefficient = 9 (coefficient of x2)

Constant = 1

Factors of 9 = 3 ⋅ 3 and 3 + 3 ==> 6

y = 9x2 + 3x + 3x + 1

Factoring 3x from 9x2 + 3x and factoring 1 from 3x + 1, we get

y = 3x(3x + 1) + 1(3x + 1)

Factored form :

y = (3x + 1) (3x + 1)

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