Factorise by grouping

Key Notes:

Understanding Grouping:

Factorising by grouping is a technique used when there are four terms in an algebraic expression.

Identifying Common Factors:

Look for common factors between pairs of terms within the expression.

Grouping Strategy:

Group the terms in pairs where each pair shares a common factor.

Factorisation Process:

• Factor out the common factor from each pair of terms.
• This usually results in two groups, each with a common factor.
• Factor out the common factor that remains between the two groups.

Example: Consider an expression like ax + ay + bx + by:

• Grouping terms gives us (ax + ay) + (bx + by).
• Factor out a from the first group: a(x + y).
• Factor out b from the second group: b(x + y).
• Finally, factor out (x + y) from a(x + y) + b(x + y) to get (a + b)(x + y).

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