Why Do We Break Polynomials Into Factors? | Outlier.org

Factoring is the process of breaking down equations into different factors that let us better understand the math at hand and solve for given variables. It’s the opposite process of multiplying out expressions with something like the FOIL method. Factoring relies on the “Principle of Zero Products” which simply means that if any factor equals 0, the whole product of factors will equal zero. In this lesson, we explain why we factor and why you’re not alone if you find this math tricky.

Kelsey Houston-Edwards is a freelance writer and mathematician who seeks to present math as a constantly evolving field, rather than a dead art. A 2016 AMS-AAAS Mass Media Fellow, she was a science journalist at the digital magazine NOVA Next. Kelsey is also a former writer/host of the YouTube show PBS Infinite Series. She earned her Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy and Mathematics from Reed College, and her Ph.D. in Mathematics from Cornell University.

Chapters:
0:00 Why We Factor Polynomials
3:58 How to Factor Polynomials Using Templates
8:29 Conclusion

This lesson is excerpted from Outlier’s Precalculus course. Learn more about this course and check out our full catalog at https://www.outlier.org.

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