Explanation of Factor by Grouping
Factor by grouping is a method used in algebra to simplify expressions by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts. This technique allows the expression to be factored into its terms, making it easier to work with and understand.
Factoring by grouping is an important concept in algebra as it is used in various mathematical applications, including polynomial factoring, solving equations, and finding the roots of polynomials. This technique is also useful in simplifying complex expressions, making them easier to solve and understand.
The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide on how to factor by grouping. The post will cover the definition of factoring by grouping, the steps involved in the process, and practice problems to help readers understand and apply the concept.
By the end of this post, readers will have a solid understanding of factoring by grouping and how to apply it in real-world scenarios.
What is Factoring By Grouping?
Factoring by grouping is a method used to factor polynomials by grouping terms together and finding a common factor among them. It involves separating the polynomial into two or more groups and then finding a common factor among the terms in each group. Once the common factor is found, it can be factored out, and the expression can be simplified.
Examples Of Factoring By Grouping
Here are some examples of factoring by grouping:
Example 1: Factor the expression x^2 + 6x + 8
Solution: We can group the first and second terms and the third term alone, then find a common factor among the terms in each group.
x^2 + 6x = x(x + 6)
So, x^2 + 6x + 8 = x(x + 6) + 8
Example 2: Factor the expression 3x^3 + 9x^2 + 6x
Solution: We can group the first and second terms and the third term alone, then find a common factor among the terms in each group.
3x^3 + 9x^2 = 3x^2(x + 3)
So, 3x^3 + 9x^2 + 6x = 3x^2(x + 3) + 6x
How Factoring By Grouping Works

Factoring by grouping works by finding a common factor among the terms in each group and then factoring it out. This allows for the expression to be simplified and written in a more manageable form.
The process is repeated until all the terms have been factored out and the expression is simplified as much as possible. This method can be applied to various expressions and polynomials, making it a versatile tool for solving mathematical problems.
Steps For Factoring By Grouping
1. Grouping The Terms In Pairs
The first step in factoring by grouping is to separate the expression into two or more groups of terms. Choosing the grouping wisely is important as it can affect the final answer. A good strategy is looking for pairs of terms with a common factor.
2. Factoring Out The Common Factor From Each Pair
Once the terms have been grouped, the next step is to find the common factor among the terms in each group. This can be done by finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms in each group or simply looking for a factor common to both terms. The common factor is then factored out, resulting in a simplified expression.
3. Multiplying The Two Pairs Together To Form The Complete Factorization
After factoring out the common factor from each group, the next step is multiplying the two pairs to form the complete factorization. This will give us the final simplified expression, which can then be used to solve further mathematical problems.
Detailed Explanation With Examples
Here is a more detailed explanation of the steps involved in factoring by grouping, using the example x^2 + 6x + 8:
- Group the terms: x^2 + 6x + 8
- Find the common factor: x^2 + 6x = x(x + 6)
- Factor out the common factor: x^2 + 6x = x(x + 6)
- Multiply the two pairs together: x^2 + 6x + 8 = x(x + 6) + 8
- Final answer: x^2 + 6x + 8 = (x + 8)(x + 6)
It’s important to remember that the process of factoring by grouping may need to be repeated multiple times to simplify the expression as much as possible. The key is to identify the common factor among the terms and factor it out in each step until the expression is fully simplified.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, factoring by grouping is a valuable tool for anyone studying algebra. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, readers should understand how to factor by grouping and apply it in real-world scenarios. Regular practice and repetition of the process will solidify the concept and make it a useful tool for future mathematical pursuits.
Also read: How can I Convert ML to Grams (Milliliters [ml] to Grams [g]?