AlgebraKey Facts

The Key Idea

Part of Factorising — GCSE Mathematics

This key facts covers The Key Idea 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 2 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 12

Practice

12 questions

Recall

3 flashcards

The Key Idea

Find the Highest Common Factor (HCF) of all terms

ab + ac = a(b + c)

1️⃣ Find the HCF of the numbers

2️⃣ Find the common letters (with lowest power)

3️⃣ Write HCF outside, divide each term inside

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Factorising. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Factorising = Reverse of Expanding Method: Factorising Step by Step Worked Example 1: Numbers Only Worked Example 2: With Common Variable

Practice Questions for Factorising

Which is the correct factorisation of 6x + 15?

A. 3(2x + 5)
B. 6(x + 9)
C. 3(2x + 15)
D. 2(3x + 7)

1 markfoundation

A student factorises x² + 5x + 4 as (x + 4)(x + 4). Explain why this is incorrect and give the correct factorisation.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Factorising Rule

Find the HCF of all terms (numbers AND letters), put outside bracket, divide each term for inside.

Factorising

Take out highest common factor: 6x + 9 = 3(2x + 3)

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Factorising = Reverse of Expanding

Method: Factorising Step by Step