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 2 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

Factorization
To investigate integers, we find their divisors; To investigate polynomials, we find their factors.
If p(x) is the product of d(x) and q(x), then we call d(x) and q(x) are factors of p(x).
Factorization is the decomposition of a polynomial into its factors.

I. Basic Methods
Taking common factors, applying identities, grouping terms and cross method is the basic method
to factorize a polynomial.

(1) To factorize a polynomial, if all the terms of the polynomial have a common factor, we take it
out first.
(2) If the terms do not have a common factor, we should try to apply identities or cross method.
(3) If these methods do not work, we should try grouping the terms or other methods.

Factorize the factors until it can not be further factorized.

The result must be expressed as a product of polynomials.
All exponents of the variables in a factor must be non-negative integers.
Equal factors should be written in exponential form.

A. Taking Common Factors

If all the terms of the polynomial have a common factor, we take it out first and leave other factors
in a bracket. A common factor can be a number, a monomial or a polynomial.

Example 1) Factorize 4 x3 y - 6 x 2 y 4 + 12 x 2 y 3 .

Solution : 2 x 2 y (2 x - 3 y 3 + 6 y 2 )

Example 2) Factorize ( x - y ) 2 n +1 - ( x - z )( x - y ) 2 n + 2( y - x) 2 n ( y - z ) where n is a positive integer.

Solution : ( x - y ) 2 n +1 - ( x - z )( x - y ) 2 n + 2( y - x) 2 n ( y - z )
= ( x - y ) 2 n [( x - y ) - ( x - z ) + 2( y - z )]
= ( x - y)2n ( y - z )

B. Applying Identities
The following identities may be helpful.
(a) a 2 + 2ab + b 2 = (a + b) 2 (b) a 2 - 2ab + b 2 = (a - b) 2
(c) a 2 - b 2 = (a + b)(a - b) (d) a 3 + b3 = (a + b)(a 2 - ab + b 2 )
(e) a 3 - b3 = (a - b)(a 2 + ab + b 2 )

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 3

Example 3) Factorize (2 x - y ) 2 - 4 x + 2 y + 1 .
Solution : (2 x - y ) 2 - 4 x + 2 y + 1 = (2 x - y ) 2 - 2(2 x - y ) + 1 = (2 x - y - 1) 2 (by (b))

Example 4) Factorize 4(a + b) 2 - 9(a - b) 2 .

Solution : 4(a + b) 2 - 9(a - b) 2 = [2(a + b)]2 - [3(a - b)]2
= [2(a + b) + 3(a - b)][2(a + b) - 3(a - b)] (by (c))
= (5a - b)(5b - a )

Some polynomial cannot be factorized by a single method. The following is an example.

Example 5) Factorize 2( x 2 + y 2 )( x + y ) 2 - ( x 2 - y 2 ) 2 .
Solution : 2( x 2 + y 2 )( x + y ) 2 - ( x 2 - y 2 ) 2
= 2( x 2 + y 2 )( x + y ) 2 - ( x + y ) 2 ( x - y ) 2
= ( x + y ) 2 [2( x 2 + y 2 ) - ( x - y ) 2 ]
= ( x + y ) 2 (2 x 2 + 2 y 2 - x 2 + 2 xy - y 2 )
= ( x + y ) 2 ( x 2 + y 2 + 2 xy )
= ( x + y)4

C. Grouping Terms
If a polynomial cannot be factorized by above methods, you should try to group the terms and
factorize them one group by one group.

Example 6) Factorize 2a 2bc + 2ab 2 d - cbd 2 - c 2 ad .

Analysis : A composite number of terms is a big hint to use term grouping method.
Solution : 2a 2bc + 2ab 2 d - cbd 2 - c 2 ad
= 2ab(ac + bd ) - cd (bd + ca)
= (ac + bd )(2ab - cd )

Example 7) Factorize ( x + y - 2 xy )( x + y - 2) + (1 - xy ) 2 .
Analysis : Sometimes we have to expand the expression and then find the way for grouping.
Solution : ( x + y - 2 xy )( x + y - 2) + (1 - xy ) 2
= [( x + y ) - 2 xy ][( x + y ) - 2] + 1 - 2 xy + x 2 y 2
= ( x + y ) 2 - 2 xy ( x + y ) - 2( x + y ) + 4 xy + 1 - 2 xy + x 2 y 2
= ( x + y ) 2 - 2 xy ( x + y ) - 2( x + y ) + 2 xy + 1 + x 2 y 2
= ( x + y ) 2 - 2( x + y ) + 1 - 2 xy ( x + y ) + 2 xy + x 2 y 2
= ( x + y - 1) 2 - 2 xy ( x + y - 1) + x 2 y 2 (!)
= ( x + y - 1 - xy ) 2

= ( x - xy + y - 1) 2
= ( x(1 - y ) + ( y - 1)) 2
= ( x - 1) 2 (1 - y ) 2

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 4 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

D. Cross Method
The general form of quadratic equation in 1 unknown x:
Ax 2 + Bx + C , A, B, C are real numbers and A ¹ 0 .

I. Factorization of x 2 + Bx + C
Suppose we can find 2 polynomials ( x + p ) and ( x + q ) s.t. ( x + p )( x + q ) = x 2 + Bx + C , then
we have x 2 + ( p + q ) x + pq = x 2 + Bx + C . By comparing the coefficients on both sides:
ìp+q = B
í
î pq = C

Conversely, we have the results as follow:

ìp+q = B
For a quadratic equation x 2 + Bx + C , if we can find 2 integers p and q s.t. í ,
î pq = C
Then x 2 + Bx + C can be factorized as ( x + p )( x + q ) .

Example 8) Factorize x 2 + 5 x + 6 .
Analysis : ∵C > 0, ∴ p and q are the same sign. ∵B > 0, ∴ p and q are positive.
Solution : ( x + 2)( x + 3) .

Example 9) Factorize x 2 - 8 x + 12 .
Analysis : ∵C > 0, ∴ p and q are the same sign. ∵B < 0, ∴ p and q are negative.
Solution : ( x - 2)( x - 6) .

Example 10) Factorize x 2 - 5 x - 24 .

Analysis : ∵C < 0, ∴ p > 0 and q < 0. ∵B < 0, ∴ | q | > | p |.
Solution : ( x - 8)( x + 3) .

II. Factorization of Ax 2 + Bx + C ( A > 1)

If A > 1 , then we can use the cross method:
ìmn = A
ï
For a quadratic equation Ax + Bx + C , if we can find 4 integers m, n, p and q s.t. ímq + np = B ,
2

ï pq = C
î
Then Ax 2 + Bx + C can be factorized as (mx + p )(nx + q ) .

Decompose A and C as products of their divisors and list them out.

Then m and n are the divisors of A. p and q are the divisors of B.
And then consider which combination of m, n, p and q give you mq + np = B .

Example 11) 3 x 2 + x - 2
Analysis : m 3x –2 2 1 –1 p
n x 1 –1 –2 2 q
Solution : (3 x - 2)( x + 1)

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 5

Cross method also works on quadratic equation in 2 unknowns.

Example 12) Factorize 6a 2 - 11ab - 10b 2 .

Analysis : m 6a 3a 10b -10b 5b -5b 2b -2b b -b p
n a 2a -b b -2b 2b -5b 5b -10b 10b q
Solution : 6a - 11ab - 10b
2 2

= (3)(2)a 2 - 11ab - (2)(5)b 2

= (3a + 2b)(2a - 5b)

The following are properties about the degree and the coefficients of polynomials:

If p(x) = d(x) q(x), then

degree of p(x) = degree of d(x) × degree of q(x)

sum of coefficients of p(x) = sum of coefficients of d(x) × sum of coefficients of q(x)

Example 13) If a 2 - 4b 2 - 9c 2 - 12bc is factorized to be the product of its factors, the product is
(A) (a + 2b - 3c)(a - 2b - 3c) (B) (a - 2b - 3c)(a - 2b + 3c)
(C) (a + 2b + 3c)(a + 2b - 3c) (D) (a + 2b + 3c)(a - 2b - 3c)
Analysis : The sum of coefficients of a 2 - 4b 2 - 9c 2 - 12bc = 1 – 4 – 9 – 12 = –24.
The sum of coefficients of (a + 2b - 3c)(a - 2b - 3c) = 0 × (–4) = 0.
The sum of coefficients of (a - 2b - 3c)(a - 2b + 3c) = (–4) × 2 = –8.
The sum of coefficients of (a + 2b + 3c)(a + 2b - 3c) = 6 × 0 = 0.
The sum of coefficients of (a + 2b + 3c)(a - 2b - 3c) = 6 × (–4) = –24.
Only (D) can be the correct answer.

Sometimes, the coefficients of the polynomial are polynomials!

Example 13) Factorize x 2 + x + 6 y 2 + 3 y + 5 xy .

Solution : x 2 + x + 6 y 2 + 3 y + 5 xy
= x 2 + 5 xy + x + 6 y 2 + 3 y
= x 2 + x(5 y + 1) + 3 y (2 y + 1)
= x 2 + (3 y + 2 y + 1) x + 3 y (2 y + 1)
= ( x + 3 y )( x + 2 y + 1)

Example 14) Factorize (a 2 - a - 2) x 2 + (3a 2 - 4a - 1) xy + 2(a 2 - a ) y 2 .

Solution : (a 2 - a - 2) x 2 + (3a 2 - 4a - 1) xy + 2(a 2 - a ) y 2
= (a + 1)(a - 2) x 2 + [(a 2 - 1) + (2a 2 - 4a)]xy + 2a(a - 1) y 2
= [(a + 1) x + 2ay ][(a - 2) x + (a - 1) y ]
= [ax + x + 2ay ][ax - 2 x + ay - y ]

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 6 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

Exercise 1
1) Factorize the following polynomials by taking common factors.
(a) 144 y 2 z + 12 z (b) 21xy 2 - 3 xy

(c) (2 x) 2 y - 4 x 2 (d) 9 x 2 yz - 3 xy 2 z - 12 xyz 2

(e) 5 xy - 25 xy 2 - 15 xyz (f) x3 - x 2 + x 2 y + x 2 z

2) Factorize the following polynomials by applying identities.

(a) 5a 2 - 10a + 5 (b) 4 x 2 + 20 xy + 25 y 2

(c) (a - b) 2 - 2(a - b) + 1 (d) 4 x 2 - 4 xy + y 2 - 4 x + 2 y + 1

(e) x2 - y 4 (f) 25( x - y ) 2 - 16( y + z ) 2

(g) xy + xz - y 2 + z 2 (h) x 2 y 2 - x5 y 5

3) Factorize the following polynomials by grouping terms.

(a) ab - ac + dc - db (b) xy - 2 y + 3x - 6

(c) 3xy + 6 y 2 - xz - 2 yz (d) 2ax - 2ay + 3bx - 3by - xc + cy

(e) a 2bc - 2ab 2 d + 2ac 2 d - 4bcd 2 (f) 4ax - 2ay + 2az - 2bx + by - bz

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 7

4) Factorize the following polynomials by cross method.

(a) x 2 + 7 x + 12 (b) x 2 + 8 x + 12

(c) x2 - 6x - 7 (d) x2 - 8x + 7

(e) 4 - 3x - x 2 (f) 15 - 8x + x 2

(g) x 2 + 10 x + 21 (h) 40 + x 2 - 13 x

(i) x 2 + xy - 2 y 2 (j) x 2 - 2 yx - 48 y 2

(k) x 2 y 2 + 2 xy - 15 (l) x 2 y 2 - 3xyz - 18 z 2

5) Factorize the following polynomials.

(a) 2 x2 + 5x + 2 (b) 2 x2 - 5x + 2

(c) 3 x 2 + 10 x + 3 (d) 4 x 2 + 13 x + 10

(e) 8 x 2 + 85 x + 50 (f) 30 + 4 x - 2 x 2

(g) 99 - 29 x + 2 x 2 (h) 35 x 2 + 23 x - 4

(i) 2 x 2 y 2 - 5 x 2 y + 3x 2 (j) 2 x 2 y 2 - 5 xy 3 - 3 y 4

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 8 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

6) Factorize 4 x - x 2 - 4 .

1
7) If x 2 + kx + can be factorized to be perfect square, find the value(s) of k.
9

8) If d(x) is a factor of all of p1 ( x) , p2 ( x) , … and pn ( x) , then d(x) is called a common factor of

p1 ( x) , p2 ( x) , … and pn ( x) . Find a common factor of x 4 - 16 , x 2 - 4 x + 4 and x 2 - 6 x + 8
rather than constants.

9) If 21x 2 + ax - 10 can be factorized as (mx + p )(nx + q ) where m, n, p and q are integers.

Prove that a must be an odd number.

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 9

10) Given that 111 × 111 = 12321. Try to factorize 2 x( x 2 + x + 1) + x 4 + x 2 + 1 .

11) If x 2 + x - n can be factorized as ( x + p )( x + q ) where n is a positive integer, p and q are

integers, find all possible value of n.

12) Given that 7 24 - 1 can be divided by 2 integers between 40 and 50. Find these 2 integers.

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 10 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

13) Factorize 2 prx + 4qrx + psx + 2qsx + 4 pry + 8qry + 2 psy + 4qsy .

14) Simplify 1 + x + x( x + 1) + x( x + 1) 2 + ... + x( x + 1) 2008 .

15) Factorize (a + b)(a + b + 2ab) + (ab + 1)(ab - 1) .

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 11

II. Adding & Splitting Terms

For the polynomials which cannot be factorized directly, we may use the method of adding &
splitting terms in order to group the terms and take common factor out.

The following is an example of adding term.

Example 1) Factorize x 4 + 4 .
Analysis : It looks like a part of perfect square but the middle term is missing. Hence we may try to
add 4x 2 and -4x 2 to the polynomial. Note that the sum of the terms we added must be
0 in order to keep the value of the polynomial has no changes.
Solution : x 4 + 4 = x 4 + 4 x 2 + 4 - 4 x 2 = ( x 2 + 2) 2 - (2 x) 2 = ( x 2 + 2 x + 2)( x 2 - 2 x + 2)

If some terms are added such that a part of the polynomial forms a perfect square, this method is
called completing square. In most of the case, we add the middle term ±2ab or a square term b 2
(or a 2 ). To choose an appropriate term, we need thorough observation and analysis.
If we use the method of completing square, A2 - B 2 is usually formed such that it can be
factorized into ( A + B)( A - B ) .

Example 2) Find the minimum value of x 2 - x + 2 .

Analysis : Finding maximum and minimum is a major application of completing square.
Solution : x 2 - x + 2
1 1 1
= x 2 - 2( ) x + ( ) 2 - ( ) 2 + 2
2 2 2
1 7
= ( x - )2 +
2 4
7 1
Hence the expression attains its minimum ( ) when x = .
4 2

The following is an example of splitting term.

Example 3) Factorize a 4 + a 2b 2 + b 4 .
Analysis : It looks like a part of perfect square but the middle term is inappropriate. Hence we may
try to split a 2b 2 into 2a 2b 2 and -a 2b 2 . If we do so, then we will get a perfect square
and -a 2b 2 which is also a square term! Then the identity of A2 - B 2 can be applied.
Solution : a 4 + a 2b 2 + b 4 = a 4 + 2a 2b 2 + b 4 - a 2b 2 = (a 2 + b 2 )2 - (ab) 2 = (a 2 + b 2 + ab)(a 2 + b 2 - ab) .

Example 4) Factorize x3 - 2 x 2 - 5 x + 6 .
Solution : Method 1 x3 - 2 x 2 - 5 x + 6
= x3 - 2 x 2 + x - 6 x + 6
= x( x - 1) 2 - 6( x - 1)
= ( x - 1)[ x( x - 1) - 6]
= ( x - 1)( x 2 - x - 6)
= ( x - 1)( x - 3)( x + 2)

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 12 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

Method 2 x3 - x 2 - x 2 - 5 x + 6
= x 2 ( x - 1) - ( x 2 + 5 x - 6)
= x 2 ( x - 1) - ( x + 6)( x - 1)
= ( x - 1)[ x 2 - ( x + 6)]
= ( x - 1)( x 2 - x - 6)
= ( x - 1)( x - 3)( x + 2)

Some polynomials may have more than 1 method to be factorized.

Sometimes, both methods of adding and splitting terms work.

Example 5) Factorize a 3 - 7 a + 6 .
Solution : Method 1 a3 - 7a + 6
= a3 - a 2 + a 2 - 7a + 6
= a 2 (a - 1) + (a - 1)(a - 6)
= (a - 1)(a 2 + a - 6)
= (a - 1)(a + 3)(a - 2)

Method 2 a3 - 7a + 6
= a 3 - 2a 2 + 2a 2 - 7 a + 6
=
=
=

Method 3 a3 - 7a + 6
= a 3 - a - 6a + 6
=
=
=

Method 4 a3 - 7a + 6
= a3 - 1 - 7a + 7
=
=
=

Method 5 a3 - 7a + 6
= 7 a 3 - 7 a - 6a 3 + 6
=
=
=

Finish the remaining part as your classwork.

Sometimes, it is difficult to see which term to be added or split. We have to observe and think (or
try) more thoroughly.

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 13

Example 6) Factorize x5 + x 4 + 1 .
Analysis : If we add x 3 to x5 + x 4 , it has a factor x 2 + x + 1. Luckily, 1 - x 3 give you the same
factor.
Solution : x5 + x 4 + 1
= x5 + x 4 + x3 + 1 - x3
= x3 ( x 2 + x + 1) + (1 - x)(1 + x + x 2 )
= ( x 2 + x + 1)( x 3 - x + 1)
Although the method of splitting term is “trial and error” in essence, here is a useful skill to avoid
meaningless testing.
Find the sum of the coefficients. Consider the divisors (both positive and negative) and try to
separate the polynomial into 2 parts such that the sum of coefficients of each part is a multiple of
the divisors.

Example 7) Factorize x3 + 9 x 2 + 26 x + 24 .
Analysis : The sum of the coefficients is 1 + 9 + 26 + 24 = 60.
For 60 = 1 + 59, it is meaningless to split the polynomial into x 3 and 9 x 2 + 26 x + 24 .
For 60 = 2 + 58, we may try x3 + x 2 and 8 x 2 + 26 x + 24 but it does not work.
For 60 = 3 + 57, we split 9x 2 into 2 x 2 + 7 x 2 , x3 + 2 x 2 has a factor x + 2 .
7 x 2 + 26 x + 24 = (7 x + 12)( x + 2) also give you the same factor.
For 60 = 4 + 56, we split 9x 2 into 3 x 2 + 6 x 2 , x3 + 3 x 2 has a factor x + 3 .
6 x 2 + 26 x + 24 = 2(3x 2 + 13x + 12) = 2(3x + 4)( x + 3) also give you the same factor.
…
For 60 = 30 + 30, we split 26x into 20 x + 6 x , 6 x + 24 has a factor x + 4 .
x3 + 9 x 2 + 20 x = x( x + 4)( x + 5) also give you the same factor.
Solution : Method 1 x3 + 9 x 2 + 26 x + 24
= x3 + 2 x 2 + 7 x 2 + 26 x + 24
= x 2 ( x + 2) + (7 x + 12)( x + 2)
= ( x + 2)( x 2 + 7 x + 12)
= ( x + 2)( x + 3)( x + 4)
Method 2 x3 + 9 x 2 + 26 x + 24
= x3 + 3x 2 + 6 x 2 + 26 x + 24
= x 2 ( x + 3) + 2(3 x + 4)( x + 3)
= ( x + 3)( x 2 + 6 x + 8)
= ( x + 3)( x + 2)( x + 4)
Method 3 x3 + 9 x 2 + 26 x + 24
= x3 + 9 x 2 + 20 x + 6 x + 24
= x( x + 4)( x + 5) + 6( x + 4)
= ( x + 4)( x 2 + 5 x + 6)
= ( x + 4)( x + 2)( x + 3)

You may find much more splitting method in this example.

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 14 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

Here are 2 more hints on factorization:

(1) If the sum of the coefficients of p(x) is 0, then p(x) is divisible by (x – 1).
(2) If the sum of the coefficients of the even terms (i.e. the constant, x2, x4, …) of p(x) is equal to
that of the odd terms (i.e. x, x3, x5, …), then p(x) is divisible by (x + 1).
(Just like the characteristic of multiples of 11.)

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 15

Exercise 2
1) Factorize x 4 + 64 y 4 .

2) Find the minimum value of x 2 - 2 x + 4 .

3) Find the maximum value of 12 x - 16 - 3 x 2 .

4) Factorize x3 + 3x 2 + 3x + 2 .

5) Factorize x 4 + x3 - 2 x 2 .

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 16 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

6) Factorize - x 2 - x + 2 .

7) Factorize x 4 + x3 - 3x 2 - x + 2 by splitting -3x 2 .

8) Factorize x3 - 19 x - 30 by splitting -19x .

9) Factorize x 4 - 6 x 2 + 1 by splitting -6x 2 and completing square.

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 17

10) Factorize x5 + x + 1 by adding a term.

11) Factorize x8 + x 7 + 1 .

12) Factorize x3 - 9 x 2 y + 27 xy 2 - 26 y 3 .

13) Factorize -2 y 2 z 2 - 2 z 2 x 2 .

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 18 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

14) Factorize x 4 + y 4 + z 4 - 2 x 2 y 2 - 2 y 2 z 2 - 2 z 2 x 2 by completing x 4 + y 4 as a perfect square.

15) Factorize (1 + b) 2 + a 4 (1 - b) 2 - 2a 2 (1 + b 2 ) by adding terms and completing square.

16) Prove that n 4 + 6n 2 + 25 is composite for n is a positive integer.

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 19

III. A. Change of Variables

Change (or substitution) of variables is a method, by changing complicated algebraic expression
into another, to simplify calculation.
Change of variables is a basic method in mathematic, and also an effective method for factorization.
There are many common methods of changing variables, including change of whole (or part), mean
value, symmetry, multi-variable and constant value. We will discuss each of them in the following.

Example 1) Factorize ( x 2 - 7 x + 3)( x 2 - 7 x + 8) + 6 .

Analysis : (Whole / Part) In many cases, we substitute 1 of the similar expressions entirely or
almost entirely.
Substitute x 2 - 7 x + 3 by y hence x 2 - 7 x + 8 = y + 5 .
Solution : ( x 2 - 7 x + 3)( x 2 - 7 x + 8) + 6 = y ( y + 5) + 6 = y 2 + 5 y + 6 = ( y + 2)( y + 3)
= ( x 2 - 7 x + 3 + 2)( x 2 - 7 x + 3 + 3) = ( x 2 - 7 x + 5)( x 2 - 7 x + 6) = ( x 2 - 7 x + 5)( x - 6)( x - 1)

Example 2) Factorize ( x + 1) 4 + ( x + 3) 4 - 272 .

Analysis : (Mean value) If there are exponentials of 2 similar expressions, we may substitute them
by a + b and a - b in order to reduce some terms after expansion.
Substitute x + 2 by y hence x + 1 = y - 1 and x + 3 = y + 1.
Solution : ( x + 1) 4 + ( x + 3) 4 - 272
= ( y - 1) 4 + ( y + 1) 4 - 272
= y 4 - 4 y 3 + 6 y 2 - 4 y + 1 + y 4 + 4 y 3 + 6 y 2 + 4 y + 1 - 272
= 2 y 4 + 12 y 2 - 270
= 2( y 4 + 6 y 2 - 135)
= 2( y 2 + 15)( y 2 - 9)
= 2( y 2 + 15)( y + 3)( y - 3)
= 2( x 2 + 4 x + 19)( x + 5)( x - 1)

1
Example 3) Factorize xy ( xy + 1) + ( xy + 3) - 2( x + y + ) - ( x + y - 1) 2 .
2
Analysis : (Symmetry) Substitute xy by u and x + y by v.
1
Solution : xy ( xy + 1) + ( xy + 3) - 2( x + y + ) - ( x + y - 1) 2
2
1
= u (u + 1) + (u + 3) - 2(v + ) - (v - 1) 2
2
= u + u + u + 3 - 2v - 1 - v + 2v - 1
2 2

= u 2 + 2u + 1 - v 2
= (u + 1) 2 - v 2
= (u + 1 + v)(u + 1 - v)
= ( xy + 1 + x + y )( xy + 1 - x - y )
= ( x( y + 1) + y + 1)( x( y - 1) - ( y - 1))
= ( x + 1)( y + 1)( x - 1)( y - 1)

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 20 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

Example 4) Factorize ( x 2 - x) 2 + ( x 2 + 3 x + 2) 2 - 4( x 2 + x + 1) 2 .
Analysis : (Multi-variable) If we find an expression is (almost) equal to the sum / difference / etc. of
other 2 expressions, we may substitute them by several variables.
! 4( x 2 + x + 1) 2 = (2 x 2 + 2 x + 2) 2 and ( x 2 - x) + ( x 2 + 3x + 2) = 2 x 2 + 2 x + 2
Substitute x 2 - x by u and x 2 + 3 x + 2 by v hence 2 x 2 + 2 x + 2 = u + v .
Solution : ( x 2 - x) 2 + ( x 2 + 3 x + 2) 2 - 4( x 2 + x + 1) 2
= u 2 + v 2 - (u + v) 2
= u 2 + v 2 - u 2 - 2uv - v 2
= -2uv
= -2( x 2 - x)( x 2 + 3x + 2)
= -2 x( x - 1)( x + 1)( x + 2)

Example 5) Factorize x 4 - 2008 x 2 + 2009 x - 2008 .

Analysis : (Constant value) We may change large and complicated number into variable.
Substitute 2008 by n hence 2009 = n +1.
Solution : x 4 - 2008 x 2 + 2009 x - 2008
= x 4 - nx 2 + (n + 1) x - n
= x 4 + x - nx 2 + nx - n
= x( x3 + 1) - n( x 2 - x + 1)
= x( x + 1)( x 2 - x + 1) - n( x 2 - x + 1)
= ( x 2 - x + 1)( x 2 + x - n)
= ( x 2 - x + 1)( x 2 + x - 2008)

III. B. Method of Undetermined Coefficients

If 2 polynomial are identical, then their corresponding coefficients of are equal.
In algebraic form:
Let P( x) = a0 x n + a1 x n -1 + ! + an -1 x + an , Q( x) = b0 x n + b1 x n -1 + ! + bn -1 x + bn
If P( x) º Q( x) , then a0 = b0 , a1 = b1 , … , an -1 = bn -1 , an = bn .

Suppose a polynomial can be factorized into an expression. This expression has certain
coefficient(s). By the above property, or by taking some special values of the original expression,
we will get equation(s) about the unknown coefficient(s). This method of factorization is called
method of undetermined coefficients.

Similar to changing variables, method of undetermined coefficients is also a helpful method in

mathematic.

Example 6) Factorize 3 x 2 + 7 xy - 6 y 2 + 9 x - 17 y - 12 .
Analysis : By cross method, we can factorize 3 x 2 + 7 xy - 6 y 2 into ( x + 3 y )(3x - 2 y ) easily.
3x 2 + 7 xy - 6 y 2 + 9 x - 17 y - 12 should be factorize into the form as

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 21

( x + 3 y + a)(3x - 2 y + b) where a and b are real numbers. It is because after expansion, a,

b and the other terms form the linear and constant terms.
Solution : Method 1 (Comparing coefficients)
( x + 3 y + a)(3x - 2 y + b) º 3x 2 + 7 xy - 6 y 2 + (3a + b) x + (-2a + 3b) y + ab
By comparing coefficients,
ì 3a + b = 9 ...(1)
ï
í-2a + 3b = -17 ...(2)
ï ab = -12 ...(3)
î
(1) × 3 : 9a + 3b = 27 …(4)
(4) – (2) : 11a = 44 è a = 4 è b = – 3
Hence 3 x 2 + 7 xy - 6 y 2 + 9 x - 17 y - 12 = ( x + 3 y + 4)(3 x - 2 y - 3) .

Method 2 (Taking special values)

Like method 1, we have
3x 2 + 7 xy - 6 y 2 + 9 x - 17 y - 12 º 3 x 2 + 7 xy - 6 y 2 + (3a + b) x + (-2a + 3b) y + ab
Put x = 0, y = 0, then ab = – 12.
Put x = 1, y = 0, then 3 + 9 - 12 = 3 + 3a + b + ab
Hence 3(1 + a) + b(1 + a ) = (3 + b)(1 + a ) = 0
\ b = -3, a = 4 or \ a = -1, b = 12 (rejected ! -2a + 3b = -17 )
Hence 3 x 2 + 7 xy - 6 y 2 + 9 x - 17 y - 12 = ( x + 3 y + 4)(3 x - 2 y - 3)

Example 7) Factorize x 4 - x3 - 4 x 2 + 3x + 15 .
Analysis : This is a polynomial of degree 4 in 1 unknown. We may try to factorize it into 2
quadratic trinomials.
Solution : Let x 4 - x3 - 4 x 2 + 3x + 15 = ( x 2 + ax + b)( x 2 + cx + d )
= x 4 + (a + c) x 3 + (b + ac + d ) x 2 + (ad + bc) x + bd
ì b =1 ìb = 3 ì b = -1 ì b = -3
Then í , í , í or í
îd = 15 îd = 5 îd = -15 îd = -5
ì b =1
For í , x 4 - x3 - 4 x 2 + 3x + 15 = x 4 + (a + c) x 3 + (ac + 16) x 2 + (15a + c) x + 15
î d = 15
ì a + c = -1 ...(1)
Hence í
î15a + c = 3 ...(2)
2 9
\ a = , c = - (rejected ! ac + 16 = -4 )
7 7
ì b = 3
For í , x 4 - x3 - 4 x 2 + 3x + 15 = x 4 + (a + c) x 3 + (ac + 8) x 2 + (5a + 3c) x + 15
îd = 5
ì b = -1
For í , x 4 - x3 - 4 x 2 + 3x + 15 = x 4 + (a + c) x 3 + (ac - 16) x 2 + (-15a - c) x + 15
îd = -15
ì b = -3
For í , x 4 - x3 - 4 x 2 + 3x + 15 = x 4 + (a + c) x 3 + (ac - 8) x 2 + (-5a - 3c) x + 15
îd = -5

Finish the remaining part as your classwork.

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 22 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

Exercise 3
1) Factorize ( x 2 - 2 x + 5)( x 2 - 2 x + 2) - 4 .

2) Factorize (a - 3)3 - (b - 3)3 - (a - b)3 .

3) Factorize ( x - y )3 + ( y - x - 5)3 + 125 .

4) If x 2 + bx + 6 º ( x + 3)( x + a ) , find the value of b.

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 23

5) If ax 2 - 5 xy - 3 y 2 + x + 11y - 6 can be factorized as a product of 2 linear factors, find the

value of a.

6) Factorize x 2 - y 2 + 5 x - y + 6 .

7) Factorize 6 x 2 - 11xy - 10 y 2 - 11x + 37 y - 7 .

8) Factorize ( x + 2)( x + 3)( x 2 + 7 x + 6) - 3x 2 .

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 24 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

9) Factorize ( x 2 + 3 x + 2)(2 x + 1)(2 x + 3) - 90 .

10) Factorize ( x + y - 2 xy )( x + y - 2) + (1 - xy ) 2 .

11) Factorize 16(6 x - 1)(2 x - 1)(3 x + 1)( x - 1) + 25

12) Factorize x 4 + x3 + x 2 + 2 .

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 25

Appendix. Double Cross Method

To factorize quadratic equation in 2 unknowns (general form: ax 2 + bxy + cy 2 + dx + ey + f ) as a
product of 2 linear trinomials, there is a more efficient method, the double cross method.

If ax 2 + bxy + cy 2 + dx + ey + f º (lx + my + n)( px + qy + r ) , then we can treat it as 3 quadratic

equations:
ax 2 + bxy + cy 2 º (lx + my )( px + qy )
ax 2 + dx + f º (lx + n)( px + r )
cy 2 + ey + f º (my + n)(qy + r )
By applying cross method on any 2 of them (usually, the ones with smaller coefficients), we can
find the values of l, m, n, p, q and r.
The remaining equation is used for checking the answer. If it is unsuitable, that means the original
polynomial cannot be factorized.

Example) Factorize 6 x 2 + xy - 15 y 2 - 29 x - 4 y + 35 .

Solution : We may investigate 6 x 2 + xy - 15 y 2 º (lx + my )( px + qy ) first.

l x 2x y -y 3y -3y 5y -5y 15y -15y m
p 6x 3x -15y 15y -5y 5y -3y 3y -y y q

Then we look at -15 y 2 - 4 y + 35 º (my + n)(qy + r ) º (-3 y + n)(5 y + r ) .

m -3y 1 –1 5 –5 7 –7 35 – 35 m
q 5y 35 – 35 7 –7 5 –5 1 –1 q
Hence the result should be (2 x - 3 y - 5)(3x + 5 y - 7) .
However, we must check that whether ax 2 + dx + f º (lx + n)( px + r ) is satisfied.
(2 x - 5)(3x - 7) º 6 x 2 - 15 x - 14 x + 35 º 6 x 2 - 29 x + 35 .

If you are experienced in double cross method, the draft can be more concise. E.g.:
2 –3 –5
3 5 –7

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 26 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

Answer Key
Exercise 1
1)
(a) 12 z (12 y 2 + 1) (b) 3 xy (7 y - 1)

(c) (2 x) 2 ( y - 1) (d) 3 xyz (3 x - y - 4 z )

(e) 5 xy (1 - 5 y - 3 z ) (f) x2 ( x -1 + y + z)

2)
(a) 5(a - 1) 2 (b) (2 x + 5 y ) 2

(c) (a - b - 1) 2 (d) (2 x - y - 1) 2

(e) ( x - y 2 )( x + y 2 ) (f) (5 x - 9 y - 4 z )(5 x - y + 4 z )

(g) ( x - y + z )( y + z ) (h) x 2 y 2 (1 - xy )(1 + xy + x 2 y 2 )

3)
(a) (a - d )(b - c) (b) ( x - 2)( y + 3)

(c) (3 y - z )( x + 2 y ) (d) ( x - y )(2a + 3b - c)

(e) (ac - 2bd )(ab + 2cd ) (f) (2a - b)(2 x - y + z )

4)
(a) ( x + 3)( x + 4) (b) ( x + 2)( x + 6)

(c) ( x - 7)( x + 1) (d) ( x - 7)( x - 1)

(e) (4 + x)(1 - x) (f) (3 - x)(5 - x)

(g) ( x + 3)( x + 7) (h) ( x - 5)( x - 8)

(i) ( x + 2 y )( x - y ) (j) ( x - 8 y )( x + 6 y )

(k) ( xy + 5)( xy - 3) (l) ( xy - 6 z )( xy + 3 z )

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 27

5)
(a) (2 x + 1)( x + 2) (b) (2 x - 1)( x - 2)

(c) (3x + 1)( x + 3) (d) (4 x + 5)( x + 2)

(e) ( x + 10)(8 x + 5) (f) 2(5 - x)(3 + x)

(g) (9 - x)(11 - 2 x) (h) (7 x - 1)(5 x + 4)

(i) x 2 (2 y - 3)( y - 1) (j) y 2 (2 x + y )( x - 3 y )

6) -( x - 2) 2

2
7) k =±
3

8) ( x - 2)

9) (mx + p)(nx + q ) = 21x 2 + ax - 10

mnx 2 + ( pn + mq ) x + pq = 21x 2 + ax - 10
m, n are both odd , p = 5, q = 2 or p = 2, q = 5 (one of them is odd and other one even)
Hence, pn + mq should be odd.
Q.E.D.

10) Put x = 10 , we can have 2 x( x 2 + x + 1) + x 4 + x 2 + 1 = ( x 2 + x + 1) 2

11) n = m(m + 1) for all integer m

12) 43, 48
7 24 - 1 = (712 - 1)(712 + 1)
= (76 - 1)(7 6 + 1)(712 + 1)
= (73 - 1)(73 + 1)(7 6 + 1)(712 + 1)
= (7 - 1)(49 + 7 + 1)(7 + 1)(49 - 7 + 1)(7 6 + 1)(712 + 1)
= (6)(57)(8)(43)(7 6 + 1)(712 + 1)
= (57)(48)(43)(7 6 + 1)(712 + 1)
13) ( x + 2 y )( p + 2q )(2r + s ) .

14) (1 + x) 2014

15) (a + b + ab - 1)(a + b + ab + 1)

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 28 WIMO Training Course --- Algebra ○

Exercise 2

1) ( x 2 + 8 y 2 + 4 xy )( x 2 + 8 y 2 - 4 xy ) .

2) 3

3) -4 .

4) ( x + 2)( x 2 + x + 1) .

5) x 2 ( x + 2)( x - 1) .

6) -( x + 2)( x - 1) .

7) ( x 2 + x - 2)( x - 1)( x + 1) .

8) ( x - 5)( x + 2)( x + 3)

9) ( x 2 - 2 x - 1)( x 2 + 2 x - 1)

10) ( x3 - x 2 + 1)( x 2 + x + 1)

11) ( x 2 + x + 1)( x 6 - x 4 + x 3 - x + 1) .

12) ( x 2 - 7 xy + 13 y 2 )( x - 2 y ) .

13) -2 z 2 ( y 2 + x 2 ) .

14) ( x + y + z )( x + y - z )( x - y + z )( x - y - z )

15) (a + 1)(a + 1 - ab + b)(a - 1)(a - 1 - ab - b)

16)
n 4 + 6n 2 + 25 = n 4 + 10n 2 + 25 - 4n 2
= (n 2 + 5) 2 - 4n 2
= (n 2 - 2n + 5)(n 2 + 2n + 5)

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 ○ WIMO Training Course --- Algebra 29

Exercise 3

1) ( x 2 - 2 x + 6)( x - 1) 2

2) 3(a - 3)(b - 3)(a - b)

3) 15( x - y + 5)( y - x)

4) b=5

5) a=2

6) ( x + y + 3)( x - y + 2)

7) (2 x - 5 y + 1)(3 x + 2 y - 7)

8) ( x 2 + 4 x + 6)( x 2 + 8 x + 6)

9) (2 x + 7)( x - 1)(2 x 2 + 5 x + 12) .

10) ( x + y - xy - 1) 2

11) (24 x 2 - 16 x - 3) 2

12) ( x 2 - x + 1)( x 2 + 2 x + 2) .

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