Factoring & Expanding

Factor or expand polynomials: GCF, trinomials, difference of squares, grouping and cubic factoring, with the method named at each step. Try “factor x³ − 6x² + 11x − 6”.

Try an example:

What you can do with the Factoring & Expanding

Factor or expand polynomials and expressions.

Enter your values or describe the problem in the calculator above. Review the result and the explanation before using it in homework, study or practical calculations.

Example input

e.g. factor x^3 - 6x^2 + 11x - 6

How the Factoring & Expanding works

  1. Take out the greatest common factor first.
  2. Look for a pattern: difference of squares, perfect-square trinomial, or two numbers that multiply to c and add to b.
  3. For cubics, test small integer roots with the factor theorem, then divide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first step in factoring?

Always check for a common factor across every term and take it out.

How do I check a factorization?

Expand your answer. If you get the original expression, it is correct.

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