Factoring Flow Chart

Quadratics: ax 2 + bx + c

Start:

Can you factor out

a common term?
no

yes
Is it a difference of squares? ()
yes
Can you factor
what is left? yes
no

Factor to
no .
Is the coefficient on
the term one?

DONE DONE

yes no

Try combiations of
factors of a and c
until you find the
Find the factors one that adds up to
of c that add up b. Fill in the
to b. Fill in the blanks below:
blanks below: __ __
*or use
alternative as
seen on back 

DONE

DONE

When you get to “DONE” double check to make sure

you can’t factor out anything!!