Factoring with two variables
Japanese school year: Math I
What you learn
Learn how to factor expressions with two variables systematically by arranging terms in descending powers of the lower-degree variable. This strategy is essential for working with multivariable equations and symmetric expressions. Being proficient in single-variable factoring and extracting common factors beforehand is strongly recommended.
Key points
Use this when an expression has multiple variables with different highest degrees. Rearranging the expression by the variable with the lowest degree makes common factors easier to find.
Use this when all variables share the same highest degree. Choose one variable (such as ) and arrange terms in descending powers of that variable.
This is the next step after grouping terms by one variable. Factoring the constant part (the terms without that variable) first reveals common factors for the entire expression.
Choose a set to practice.