Difference between revisions of "Factoring"
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There are many ways to factor. | There are many ways to factor. | ||
| − | + | ==Difference of Squares== | |
<math>a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b)</math> | <math>a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b)</math> | ||
| − | + | ==Difference of Cubes== | |
<math>a^3-b^3=(a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2)</math> | <math>a^3-b^3=(a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2)</math> | ||
| − | + | ==Sum of Cubes== | |
<math>a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)</math> | <math>a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)</math> | ||
| − | + | ==Simon's Trick== | |
See [[Simon's Favorite Factoring Trick]] | See [[Simon's Favorite Factoring Trick]] | ||
(This is not a recognized formula, please do not quote it on the USAMO or similar national proof contests) | (This is not a recognized formula, please do not quote it on the USAMO or similar national proof contests) | ||
| − | + | ==Summing Series== | |
Also, it is helpful to know how to sum [[arithmetic series]] and [[geometric series]]. | Also, it is helpful to know how to sum [[arithmetic series]] and [[geometric series]]. | ||
| + | == Vieta's/Newton Factorizations == | ||
| + | These factorizations are useful for problem that could otherwise be solved by [[Newton sums]] or problems that give a polynomial, and ask a question about the roots. Combined with [[Vieta's formulas]], these are excellent factorizations that show up everywhere. | ||
| + | |||
| + | *<math>\displaystyle (a+b+c)^2=a^2+b^2+c^2+2(ab+bc+ac)</math> | ||
| + | |||
| + | *<math>\displaystyle (a+b+c)^3=a^3+b^3+c^3+3(a+b)(b+c)(a+c)</math> | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Other Resources == | ||
| + | * [http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/pdf/Algebra_Cheat_Sheet_Reduced.pdf More Common Factorizations]. | ||
Revision as of 16:12, 20 June 2006
Note to readers and editers: Please fix up this page by adding in material from Joe's awesome factoring page.
Contents
Why Factor
Factoring equations is an essential part of problem solving. Applying number theory to products yields many results.
There are many ways to factor.
Difference of Squares
Difference of Cubes
Sum of Cubes
Simon's Trick
See Simon's Favorite Factoring Trick (This is not a recognized formula, please do not quote it on the USAMO or similar national proof contests)
Summing Series
Also, it is helpful to know how to sum arithmetic series and geometric series.
Vieta's/Newton Factorizations
These factorizations are useful for problem that could otherwise be solved by Newton sums or problems that give a polynomial, and ask a question about the roots. Combined with Vieta's formulas, these are excellent factorizations that show up everywhere.
