GED Math : Algebra

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #5 : Solving By Factoring

Factor the following expression.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This expression involves the difference of two cubic terms. To factor an expression in this format, we can use a special formula.

Before we can use this formula, we need to manipulate our original expression to identify and .

Comparing this with the formula,  and . Now we can use the formula to factor.

Example Question #5 : Solving By Factoring

Factor the following expression.

Possible Answers:

Not factorable

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This problem involves the difference of two cubic terms. We need to use a special factoring formula that will allow us to factor this equation.

But before we can use this formula, we need to manipulate  to make it more similar to the left hand side of the special formula. We do this by making the coefficients (343 and 64) part of the cubic power.

Comparing this with  and .

Plug these into the formula.

Example Question #5 : Quadratic Equations

Factor:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Begin by factoring out a 2:

Then, we recognize that the trinomial can be factored into two terms, each beginning with :

Since the last term is negative, the signs of the two terms are going to be opposite (i.e. one positive and one negative):

Finally, we need two numbers whose product is negative thirty-five and whose sum is positive two.  The numbers  and  fit this description.  So, the factored trinomial is:


Example Question #6 : Solving By Factoring

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

You can factor this trinomial by breaking it up into two binomials that lead with :

You will fill in the binomials by finding two factors of 36 that add up to 5. This is achieved with positive 9 and negative 4:

You can then set each of the two binomials equal to 0 and solve for :

 

Example Question #11 : Solving By Factoring

Factor the polynomial.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To factor a polynomial of the form , we want to look at the factors of  and the factors of . We want to find the combination of factors which when multiplied and added together give the value of .

In our case, , and .

The factors for  are .

The factors for  are

Since  is  we will want to use the factors  because .

Therefore when we put these factors into the binomal form we get,

.

Also see that

 

will foil out into the original polynomial, as , the coefficient for our  term, and , the constant.

Example Question #83 : Factoring Polynomials

Factor completely: 

Possible Answers:

The expression is not factorable.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, factor out the greatest common factor (GCF), which here is . If you don't see the whole GCF at once, factor out what you do see (here, either the  or the ), and then check the result to see if any more factors can be pulled out.

Then, to factor a quadratic trinomial, list factors of the quadratic  term and the constant (no variables) term, then combine them into binomials that when multiplied back out will give the original trinomial.

Here, the quadratic term has only one factorization: .

The constant term has factorizations of , and .

We know the constant term is positive, so the binomials both have the same operation in them (adding or subtracting), since a positive times a positive OR a negative times a negative will both give a positive result.

But since the middle term  is negative, both binomial factors must contain subtraction. And .

Example Question #1 : Solving Equations

Solve for .

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

 

Multiply both sides by 3:

 

 

Distribute:

Subtract  from both sides:

Add the  terms together, and subtract  from both sides:

Divide both sides by :

Simplify:

Example Question #11 : Solving By Factoring

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

 or 

 and 

Correct answer:

 and 

Explanation:

For quadratic equations, you need to factor in order to solve for your variable.  You do this after the equation is set equal to zero.  Thus, you get:

Next do your factoring:

into

Then, you set each factor equal to .  Solve each "small" equation:

 or  or 

BOTH of these are answers to the equation.

Example Question #12 : Solving By Factoring

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

 and 

 and 

Correct answer:

 and 

Explanation:

For quadratic equations, you need to factor in order to solve for your variable.  You do this after the equation is set equal to zero.  Luckily, this is already done for you!  Thus, start by factoring:

into

Then, you set each factor equal to .  Solve each "small" equation:

 or 

 or 

BOTH of these are answers to the equation.

 

Example Question #13 : Solving By Factoring

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

 or 

 and 

Correct answer:

 and 

Explanation:

For quadratic equations, you need to factor in order to solve for your variable.  You do this after the equation is set equal to zero.  Thus, you get:

Next do your factoring.  You know that both groups will be positive.  Also, given that the middle term is , you only have one possible choice for your factors of :

Then, you set each factor equal to .  Solve each "small" equation:

 or 

 or 

BOTH of these are answers to the equation.

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