GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Maths GlossaryFactorising

Factorising - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Mark Curtis

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Factorising is a process in mathematics where you break down a complex expression into a product of simpler expressions, called factors, that multiply together to make the original expression.

For example, if you have the quadratic expression:

x to the power of space 2 space end exponent plus 5 x plus 6

you can factorise it as:

left parenthesis x plus 2 right parenthesis left parenthesis x plus 3 right parenthesis

because:

left parenthesis x plus 2 right parenthesis left parenthesis x plus 3 right parenthesis equals x to the power of space 2 end exponent plus 3 x plus 2 x plus 6 equals x squared plus 5 x plus 6

This is useful because it can make solving equations easier, especially when you’re trying to find the roots or solutions. Factorising helps you understand how different numbers and variables relate to each other in an expression. It is an important skill in the GCSE Maths course because it is used in solving various equations and simplifying problems.

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Mark Curtis

Reviewer: Mark Curtis

Expertise: Maths Content Creator

Mark graduated twice from the University of Oxford: once in 2009 with a First in Mathematics, then again in 2013 with a PhD (DPhil) in Mathematics. He has had nine successful years as a secondary school teacher, specialising in A-Level Further Maths and running extension classes for Oxbridge Maths applicants. Alongside his teaching, he has written five internal textbooks, introduced new spiralling school curriculums and trained other Maths teachers through outreach programmes.

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