SAT Math Tips: Factoring Polynomials
Factor the Expression x² + 6x + 5
Step 1: Identify coefficients → a = 1, b = 6, c = 5
Step 2: Find two numbers that multiply to c (5) and add to b (6).
Step 3: Those numbers are 1 and 5, because 1 × 5 = 5 and 1 + 5 = 6.
Step 4: Rewrite the middle term using 1x and 5x:
x² + 1x + 5x + 5
Step 5: Factor by grouping:
(x² + 1x) + (5x + 5)
Step 6: Factor out common terms:
x(x + 1) + 5(x + 1)
Step 7: Combine like terms:
(x + 1)(x + 5)