This deep dive covers Method: Factorising Step by Step within Factorising for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Factorising in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 13 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Method: Factorising Step by Step
1
Find the HCF of the coefficients (numbers)
2
Find common letters (use lowest power)
3
Write HCF outside the bracket
4
Divide each term by HCF for inside
5
Check by expanding back!
Practice questions for Factorising
Which is the correct factorisation of 6x + 15?
A student factorises x² + 5x + 4 as (x + 4)(x + 4). Explain why this is incorrect and give the correct factorisation.
Quick recall flashcards
Factorising
Take out highest common factor: 6x + 9 = 3(2x + 3)
Factorising Rule
Find the HCF of all terms (numbers AND letters), put outside bracket, divide each term for inside.