http://www.mapleprimes.com/maplesoftblog/120910-Factoring-A-Quadratic-Polynomial en-us 2026 Maplesoft, A Division of Waterloo Maple Inc. Maplesoft Document System Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:45:52 GMT Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:45:52 GMT The latest comments added to the Blog Entry, Factoring a Quadratic Polynomial http://www.mapleprimes.com/images/mapleprimeswhite.jpg http://www.mapleprimes.com/maplesoftblog/120910-Factoring-A-Quadratic-Polynomial http://www.mapleprimes.com/maplesoftblog/120910-Factoring-A-Quadratic-Polynomial?ref=Feed:MaplePrimes:Factoring a Quadratic Polynomial:Comments#comment120998 <p>I have to take issue with your view that factoring quadratics is unimportant or overemphasized. Personally I think it's a fundamental skill that transfers well to, and aids in, other more advanced techniques in applied maths. The mental juggling you mention is a quite important skill if a student is to continue their study in maths. That said, your applet looks very useful for helping those students who might be struggling with it.</p> <p>Perhaps one of the reasons students find difficulty with factoring is due to the point at which factoring is taught. In my view, there is a lot to be said for this sequence:</p> <p>1. Parabolas in the real world;<br>2. Graphing quadratics;<br>3. Visually finding zeros;<br>4. Factoring, with the connection to zeros hopefully coming out easily;<br>5. The quadratic formula;<br>6. Completing the square, with (depending on the aptitude of the students) the derivation of the quadratic formula.</p> <p>Speaking for myself, I didn't come across the factor-remainder theorem (formally, that is) until I was at university, while I learned quadratic factorisaton at around 14 yrs old. It's probably safe to say that I was "bludgeoned" with it, but it definitely didn't do me any harm....</p> The latest comments added to the Blog Entry, Factoring a Quadratic Polynomial 120998 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:43:10 Z longrob longrob http://www.mapleprimes.com/maplesoftblog/120910-Factoring-A-Quadratic-Polynomial?ref=Feed:MaplePrimes:Factoring a Quadratic Polynomial:Comments#comment121000 <p>As far as I can tell, nowadays in the USA in Introductory Algebra courses, only the case with a=1 is trained. Optionally - with c=1 or small prime a or c (usually 2, 3, or 5) in which cases it is quite easy and useful. Saves a lot of time doing that with, say x²&minus;5x+6 instead of using the quadratic formula.</p> <!--break--> <p>Alec</p> The latest comments added to the Blog Entry, Factoring a Quadratic Polynomial 121000 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:13:22 Z Alec Mihailovs Alec Mihailovs