Free Online Calculator

Polynomial Factorization

Factorize polynomials effortlessly with our step-by-step calculator. Get instant solutions and detailed explanations for polynomials like x2+5x+6x² + 5x + 6, x38x³ - 8.

Polynomial Factorizer

Enter your polynomial and get step-by-step factorization

Loading calculator...

Master Polynomial Factorization with Our Advanced Calculator

Our polynomial factorization calculator is designed to help students, teachers, and professionals factorize polynomials efficiently. Whether you're working on algebra homework, preparing forSAT exams, or tackling university mathematics courses, this tool provides comprehensive step-by-step solutions that enhance your understanding of polynomial factorization techniques.

The algebra solver online handles various types of polynomials including quadratic polynomials like ax2+bx+cax² + bx + c, cubic polynomials like ax3+bx2+cx+dax³ + bx² + cx + d, and higher degree polynomials. This polynomial calculator can process different formats including perfect squares, difference of squares, and complex expressions. Our math solver is particularly useful for SAT preparation, where polynomial factorization is a crucial skill.

Perfect for high school algebra students learning the fundamentals, college studentsin calculus prerequisites, and professionals who need quick mathematical solutions. Thepolynomial factorization tool provides not just answers, but detailed explanations that help you understand the underlying concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.

Types of Polynomial Factorization

Type of FactorizationExampleFactored FormDifficulty Level
Common Factor

2x2+4x2x² + 4x

2x(x+2)2x(x + 2)

Beginner
Difference of Squares

x24x² - 4

(x+2)(x2)(x + 2)(x - 2)

Beginner
Perfect Square

x2+6x+9x² + 6x + 9

(x+3)2(x + 3)²

Intermediate
Quadratic Trinomial

x2+5x+6x² + 5x + 6

(x+2)(x+3)(x + 2)(x + 3)

Intermediate
Cubic Polynomial

x38x³ - 8

(x2)(x2+2x+4)(x - 2)(x² + 2x + 4)

Advanced

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting Common Factors

Always check for common factors first. For example, 2x2+4x2x² + 4x should be factored as 2x(x+2)2x(x + 2), not just (x+2)(x+2)(x + 2)(x + 2).

Incorrect Sign Handling

Pay attention to signs when factoring. For x24x² - 4, the factored form is (x+2)(x2)(x + 2)(x - 2), not (x+2)(x+2)(x + 2)(x + 2).

Not Verifying Results

Always multiply your factors back together to verify the factorization is correct.

How to Factorize Polynomials

Polynomial factorization is the process of expressing a polynomial as a product of simpler polynomials. The general form for a polynomial is:

P(x)=anxn+an1xn1+...+a1x+a0P(x) = a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + ... + a_1x + a_0

where an,an1,...,a0a_n, a_{n-1}, ..., a_0 are coefficients, and nn is the degree of the polynomial. The goal is to express this as a product of linear and quadratic factors.

Step-by-Step Method

1

Check for common factors

Factor out any common numerical or variable factors

2

Identify special forms

Look for perfect squares, difference of squares, or other patterns

3

Find roots

Use factoring techniques or the quadratic formula to find roots

4

Write factored form

Express the polynomial as a product of linear factors

Key Formula

P(x)=a(xr1)(xr2)...(xrn)P(x) = a(x - r_1)(x - r_2)...(x - r_n)

Examples

Quadratic Trinomial

x2+5x+6x² + 5x + 6

Solution:

  1. Find factors of 6 that add to 5: 2 and 3

  2. Write as (x + 2)(x + 3)

(x+2)(x+3)(x + 2)(x + 3)

Difference of Squares

x24x² - 4

Solution:

  1. Recognize as a² - b² form

  2. Factor as (a + b)(a - b)

(x+2)(x2)(x + 2)(x - 2)

Perfect Square

x2+6x+9x² + 6x + 9

Solution:

  1. Check if it's a perfect square: (x + 3)²

  2. Verify: (x + 3)² = x² + 6x + 9

(x+3)2(x + 3)²

Try Our AI Math Solver

For solving all types of mathematical problems automatically, including complex polynomial factorization, try our advanced AI-powered math solver.

Solve with AskMathAI

Frequently Asked Questions

What is polynomial factorization?

Polynomial factorization is the process of expressing a polynomial as a product of simpler polynomials (factors). For example, x² + 5x + 6 can be factored as (x + 2)(x + 3).

How do I know if a polynomial can be factored?

A polynomial can be factored if it has roots (values that make the polynomial equal to zero). The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra states that every polynomial of degree n has exactly n roots (counting multiplicities).

What are the common factorization methods?

Common methods include factoring out common factors, using the difference of squares formula (a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)), perfect square trinomials, and finding roots using the quadratic formula or Rational Root Theorem.

Can all polynomials be factored?

All polynomials can be factored over the complex numbers, but not all can be factored over the real numbers. For example, x² + 1 cannot be factored over real numbers but can be factored as (x + i)(x - i) over complex numbers.

Is this calculator free to use?

Yes, our polynomial factorization calculator is completely free to use with no limitations. You can factorize as many polynomials as you need.

How accurate are the solutions?

Our calculator provides highly accurate solutions with step-by-step explanations. It handles both exact fractions and decimal approximations.

Related Tools

Last updated: 24/08/2025 — Written by the AskMathAI team