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Factorising quadratic expressions is the opposite of multiplying out the brackets. For example the expression (x+1)(x+3) can be multiplied out to give x^2+4x+3. Going the other way or reversing this process is called factorising.

## Summary/Background

The ability to factorise quadratic functions is essential to making sound progress in advanced mathematics. It is a skill. You get better with practise.

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## Glossary

A mathematical expression of the 2nd degree; having a x² term but no higher one.

### union

The union of two sets A and B is the set containing all the elements of A and B.

Full Glossary List

## This question appears in the following syllabi:

SyllabusModuleSectionTopic
AP Calculus AB (USA)1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising
AP Calculus BC (USA)1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising
AQA A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising
AQA AS Maths 2017Pure MathsAlgebraFactorising Quadratics
AQA AS/A2 Maths 2017Pure MathsAlgebraFactorising Quadratics
CCEA A-Level (NI)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising
CIE A-Level (UK)P1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising
Edexcel A-Level (UK - Pre-2017)C1Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic factorising