Factorising is expanding backwards. Try it, read the short cards, then practise step by step.
⚡ Quick practice: tap the right pair
📘 Learn it: how to find the two numbers
Four short cards. Read them, then try it yourself below.
✍️ Try it yourself: full working
Do one step at a time. Wrong answers turn red with a hint. Press Show me if you are stuck.
The idea
To factorise x² + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b. Those numbers go in the brackets: (x + one)(x + other).
When there is a number in front of x² (ax² + bx + c), multiply a × c first. Find two numbers that multiply to a × c and add to b, use them to split the middle term, then group.
Always check by expanding the brackets. You must get back the original expression.
Keep practising
Get more factorising practice in the Mathematics workbooks.