# Thread: How to factor this expression?

1. ## How to factor this expression?

I understand how to do basic factoring like ax^2 + bx + c but I don't understand how to do factoring with more variables then those in the equation. For example: x2+14x+49y

2. Originally Posted by ace7269
I understand how to do basic factoring like ax^2 + bx + c but I don't understand how to do factoring with more variables then those in the equation. For example: x2+14x+49y
Why don't you provide an actual problem in its entirety and show what you have tried.

By the way, you have given expressions, not equations. You factor expressions.

And it is quite feasible to factor the given expression: $x^2 + 14x + 49 - y = (x + 7)^2 - y.$

3. ## Factoring

Okay, here is a full problem. Factor the expression ay+a6y6. Simplify your answer as much as possible.

Please trust me I have tried to work these out but I can't figure it out. Should I be using the ax^2 + bx + c expression? I just don't understand where to even start with these expressions. I'm not asking for anyone to do my homework I'm just trying to figure out these steps so I can do these kinds of problems on the exam tomorrow.

4. Originally Posted by ace7269
Okay, here is a full problem. Factor the expression ay+a6y6. Simplify your answer as much as possible.

Please trust me I have tried to work these out but I can't figure it out. Should I be using the ax^2 + bx + c expression? I just don't understand where to even start with these expressions. I'm not asking for anyone to do my homework I'm just trying to figure out these steps so I can do these kinds of problems on the exam tomorrow.
$ax^2 + bx + c$ is the standard form for a quadratic in one variable.

A quadratic in standard form can be factored using the quadratic formula, but it pertains only to that special case.

All factoring means is to restate an expression as a product of expressions. The most common way to do that is to look for common factors in the expression.

Is your expression $ay + a^6y^6?$ If so, you should see that ay is a common factor and $ay + a^6y^6 = ay(1 + a^5y^5).$

If your expression is $ay + a * 6 * y * 6,$ then ay is again a common factor and $ay - a * 6 * y * 6 = ay(1 + 6 * 6) = 37ay.$

5. Originally Posted by JeffM
$ax^2 + bx + c$ is the standard form for a quadratic in one variable.

A quadratic in standard form can be factored using the quadratic formula, but it pertains only to that special case.

All factoring means is to restate an expression as a product of expressions. The most common way to do that is to look for common factors in the expression.

Is your expression $ay + a^6y^6?$ If so, you should see that ay is a common factor and $ay + a^6y^6 = ay(1 + a^5y^5).$

If your expression is $ay - a * 6 * y * 6,$ then ay is again a common factor and $ay - a * 6 * y * 6 = ay(1 + 6 * 6) = 37ay.$
JeffM, small typo. I believe you meant ay(1 - 6 * 6) = -35ay

6. Originally Posted by srmichael
JeffM, small typo. I believe you meant ay(1 - 6 * 6) = -35ay
I had a typo all right: original expression required plus sign not a minus sign. Thanks