The Two Numbers Method for Factorising
Part of Quadratic Expressions · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision
This deep dive covers The Two Numbers Method for Factorising within Quadratic Expressions for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Quadratic Expressions in Algebra for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 4 of 8 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 4 of 8
Practice
12 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
The Two Numbers Method for Factorising
To factorise x² + bx + c, find two numbers that:
- Add to b (the coefficient of x)
- Multiply to c (the constant term)
Example: Factorise x² + 7x + 12
Need two numbers that add to 7 and multiply to 12:
3 + 4 = 7 ✓ and 3 × 4 = 12 ✓
Therefore: x² + 7x + 12 = (x + 3)(x + 4)
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Quadratic Expressions. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Quadratic Expressions
Expand (x + 5)².
Explain how to recognise whether x² + 12x + 36 is a perfect square trinomial, and write it in factorised form.
Quick Recall Flashcards
12 questions on Quadratic Expressions — practise free
Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 22 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.
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