Key learning points

1. The distributive law can be used to find the two factors of a quadratic expression with three non-zero terms.
2. An area model can be used to explore the underlying structure.
3. You can check your factors by finding the product and checking it against the quadratic.

Keywords

• Factorise - To express a term as the product of its factors.

• Quadratic - A quadratic is an equation, graph, or sequence whereby the highest exponent of the variable is 2

Common misconception