Chapter 1: Factorization, Algebraic Fractions
August 17, 2025
1.1 Factorization by Taking Out Common Factors
A. Introducing factorization process
Beginning by defining factorization involving expressing a polynomial as a product of
simpler polynomials. Establishing this as a fundamental skill in algebra aiding in sim-
plifying expressions and solving equations. Starting with the basic method of extracting
common factors from all terms in a polynomial.
B. Factoring by extracting common factors
Continuing by explaining that when a polynomial contains terms with a common factor,
we can factor it out by dividing each term by this common factor. Illustrating with the
expression 2x2 + 4x, where the common factor is 2x, resulting in 2x(x + 2).
Factorize 3x3 + 6x2
• Identifying common factor: 3x2 .
• Dividing each term: 3x3 ÷ 3x2 = x, 6x2 ÷ 3x2 = 2.
• Resulting in: 3x2 (x + 2).
1. Factorize 5x2 + 10x
2. Factorize 7a3 − 14a2
3. Factorize 4x3 y + 8x2 y 2
1.2 Factorization by Grouping Terms
Continuing by describing factorization by grouping, applied when a polynomial has four
or more terms. Involving grouping terms in pairs and factoring out the common factor
from each pair, then identifying a common binomial factor.
Factorize ax + ay + bx + by
• Grouping: (ax + ay) + (bx + by).
• Factoring each group: a(x + y) + b(x + y).
• Common binomial: (x + y)(a + b).
1
1. Factorize xy + xz + 2y + 2z
2. Factorize 3ab − 6a + 5b − 10
3. Factorize 2pq + 4p − 3q − 6
1.3 Multiplication and Division of Algebraic Fractions
A. Simplifying algebraic fractions
Starting by explaining that algebraic fractions can be simplified by canceling common
factors in the numerator and denominator, similar to numerical fractions.
2
Simplify 2x4x
• Factoring: 2x·x
2·2x
.
• Canceling 2x: x
2
.
B. Performing multiplication and division
Continuing by detailing multiplication involving multiplying numerators and denomina-
tors, then simplifying. Detailing division involving multiplying by the reciprocal of the
divisor.
2x 6
3
· x = 2x·6
3·x
= 12x
3x
=4
4x
5
÷ 3 = 5 · 2x = 12x
2x 4x 3
10x
= 65
6x2
1. Simplify 3x
3a 8
2. Multiply 4
· a
9x 3x
3. Divide 2
÷ 4
1.4 Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Fractions
Continuing by instructing to add or subtract algebraic fractions by finding a common
denominator, then performing the operation on the numerators.
Add x2 + x3
• Common denominator: x.
• Result: 2+3
x
= x5 .
4 2
Subtract x+1
− x+1
• Common denominator: x + 1.
• Result: 4−2
x+1
= 2
x+1
.
1 2
1. Add x
+ x
5 3
2. Subtract x−2
− x−2
2 3
3. Add x
+ x+1
(find common denominator)
2
1.5 Change of Subject of a Formula
Concluding by explaining that changing the subject of a formula involves rearranging the
equation to make a different variable the subject, using algebraic manipulation.
Make y the subject of x = 3y + 2
• Subtract 2: x − 2 = 3y.
• Divide by 3: y = x−2
3
.
1. Make y the subject of x = 4y - 1
2. Make p the subject of q = 2p + 3
3. Make a the subject of b = a 2+5
Chapter Quiz
1. Factorize 6x2 − 12x
8x3
2. Simplify 2x2
1 2
3. Add x
+ x+1
4. Make x the subject of y = 3x + 4
Revision Exercise 1
1. Factorize 9a2 − 18a
2x 10
2. Multiply 5
· x
3 1
3. Subtract x+3
− x+3
4. Make y the subject of x = 5y - 2
Investigation Task
Exploring how factorization can be used to solve quadratic equations. Attempting to
factor x2 + 5x + 6 and verifying the roots.
Answers
• 1.1: 1. 5x(x + 2), 2. 7a2 (a − 2), 3. 4x2 y(y + 2x).
• 1.2: 1. (x + 2)(y + z), 2. (3a + 5)(b − 2), 3. (2p − 3)(q + 2).
• 1.3: 1. 2x, 2. 6, 3. 6.
• 1.4: 1. 3
x
, 2. 2
x−2
, 3. 2x+3
x(x+1)
.
3
• 1.5: 1. y = x+1
4
, 2. p = q−3
2
, 3. a = 2(b − 5).
• Quiz: 1. 6x(x − 2), 2. 4x, 3. x+2
x(x+1)
, 4. x = y−4
3
.
• Revision: 1. 9a(a − 2), 2. 4, 3. 2
x+3
, 4. y = x+2
5
.
Key Concepts
- Factorization simplifies expressions by breaking them into products. - Common factors
and grouping are key techniques. - Algebraic fractions follow rules similar to numerical
fractions. - Changing the subject requires isolating the desired variable.