Factorising quadratic expressions is the opposite of multiplying out the brackets. For example the expression (x+1)(x+3) can be multiplied out to give x^2+4x+3. Going the other way or reversing this process is called factorising.
Summary/Background
The ability to factorise quadratic functions is essential to making sound progress in advanced
mathematics. It is a skill. You get better with practise.
Software/Applets used on this page
This question appears in the following syllabi:
| Syllabus | Module | Section | Topic | Exam Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB (USA) | 1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| AP Calculus BC (USA) | 1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| AQA A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | C1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| AQA AS Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Algebra | Factorising Quadratics | - |
| AQA AS/A2 Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Algebra | Factorising Quadratics | - |
| CBSE IX (India) | Algebra | Polynomials | Factorisation of quadratics | - |
| CCEA A-Level (NI) | C1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| CIE A-Level (UK) | P1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| Edexcel A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | C1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| Edexcel AS Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Quadratics | Factorising Quadratics | - |
| Edexcel AS/A2 Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Quadratics | Factorising Quadratics | - |
| I.B. Higher Level | 2 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| I.B. Standard Level | 2 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| Methods (UK) | M1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| I.B. (MSSL) | 2 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| OCR A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | C1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| OCR AS Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Equations and Quadratics | Factorising Quadratics | - |
| OCR MEI AS Maths 2017 | Pure Maths | Quadratics | Factorising Quadratics | - |
| OCR-MEI A-Level (UK - Pre-2017) | C1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| Pre-U A-Level (UK) | 1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| Scottish (Highers + Advanced) | HM2 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| Scottish Highers | M2 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| Universal (all site questions) | A | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |
| WJEC A-Level (Wales) | C1 | Algebra and Functions | Quadratic factorising | - |