Factor Quadratics with less than 3 terms

Ted_Grendy

New member
Hi all

I am trying to factor the following quadratic:

0 = 5t^2 + 3t

It only has two terms which is really throwing me off and I am struggling with.

Can anyone help?

Also with a quadratic with 2 terms such as
ax^2 + bx
or
ax^2 + C

How would you factor these types of quadratics?

Thank you.

Dr.Peterson

Elite Member
Hi all

I am trying to factor the following quadratic:

0 = 5t^2 + 3t

It only has two terms which is really throwing me off and I am struggling with.

Can anyone help?

Also with a quadratic with 2 terms such as
ax^2 + bx
or
ax^2 + C

How would you factor these types of quadratics?

Thank you.
The first type can be factored using just the GCF of the terms.

The second is the same unless, after factoring out the GCF, it has the form of a difference of squares.

HallsofIvy

Elite Member
Hi all

I am trying to factor the following quadratic:

0 = 5t^2 + 3t
Since there is a "t" in every term, factor it out: t(5t+ 3)= 0

It only has two terms which is really throwing me off and I am struggling with.

Can anyone help?

Also with a quadratic with 2 terms such as
ax^2 + bx
Same thing

or
ax^2 + C
Write this as ax^2- (-C) and factor as the "difference of two squares:
$$\displaystyle (\sqrt{a}x- \sqrt{-C})(\sqrt{a}x+ \sqrt{-C})$$
Of course those square roots might not be real numbers.

How would you factor these types of quadratics?

Thank you.

Jomo

Elite Member
Hi all

I am trying to factor the following quadratic:

0 = 5t^2 + 3t

It only has two terms which is really throwing me off and I am struggling with.

Can anyone help?

Also with a quadratic with 2 terms such as
ax^2 + bx
or
ax^2 + C

How would you factor these types of quadratics?

Thank you.
5t^2 + 3t = 5*t*t + 3*t-------factor out what is in red, open a bracket, then write down exactly what is not in red and close the bracket.

ax^2 + bx = a*x*x + b*x----same instructions as above.