How to factor

Step 10: Huzzah!

You now know how to factor any number or expression you'll probably ever come across. Good for you!

There are also programs out there that can do this for you. If you google "polyroot" you'll get links to a few programs for your computer. The HP 39/40gs graphing calculators have the polyroot function built in. If you have a TI-89 graphing calculator, it also has a factoring function. Earlier model TI graphing calculators don't have it built in, but they do have factoring programs. Google "ti quadratic solver" for programs you can transfer to your TI graphing calculator.

You can also find real solutions to quadratic equations by graphing them and using the 'zero' function to calculate where the graph intersects the x-axis. You can then stick that number next to a "x -".

Disclaimer: Most math classes either disallow calculators that can factor, or make you clear the memory (along with programs) of programmable calculators. Also, if any solutions have a non-natural root in them, you'll get a long string of decimals which is unsuitable as an answer. Just learn how to do it by hand.