Factorisation
Chapter 12: Algebra and Expressions
Complete Study Guide with Interactive Learning
Chapter Overview
What You'll Learn
Factors of Natural Numbers
Understanding prime factors and expressing numbers as products.
Algebraic Factorisation
Methods like common factors, regrouping, identities, and more.
Division Techniques
Dividing monomials, polynomials by monomials or polynomials.
Irreducible Factors
Identifying factors that cannot be broken down further.
Historical Context
This chapter builds on Class VI and VII concepts, focusing on expressing algebraic expressions as products of irreducible factors. It covers systematic methods for factorisation and division, essential for solving equations and simplifying expressions in algebra.
Key Highlights
Factorisation is key in algebra for simplifying expressions. Methods include common factors, regrouping, identities like \((a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2\), and polynomial division where remainder is zero.
Comprehensive Chapter Summary
1. Introduction to Factorisation
The chapter begins with factors of natural numbers, like 30 = 2 × 3 × 5 in prime form. It extends to algebraic expressions, where terms like 5xy are products of irreducible factors 5 × x × y.
2. Factors of Algebraic Expressions
Prime vs. Irreducible Factors
In algebra, 'irreducible' replaces 'prime'. For example, 3x(x + 2) = 3 × x × (x + 2), all irreducible.
Key Formulas
Expressions like \(5xy + 10x = 5x(y + 2)\). Note: 1 is a factor but not shown unless needed.
Examples
12a²b + 15ab² = 3ab(4a + 5b); 10x² - 18x³ + 14x⁴ = 2x²(7x² - 9x + 5).
3. Methods of Factorisation
Common Factors Method
Write terms as irreducible factors, separate commons, and combine using distributive law. E.g., 2x + 4 = 2(x + 2).
Regrouping Terms
Group terms with common factors. E.g., 2xy + 2y + 3x + 3 = (x + 1)(2y + 3).
Using Identities
Use \((a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2\), etc. E.g., x² + 8x + 16 = (x + 4)².
Factors of Form (x + a)(x + b)
For x² + px + q, find a, b where ab = q, a + b = p. E.g., x² + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3).
4. Division of Algebraic Expressions
Monomial by Monomial
E.g., 6x³ ÷ 2x = 3x². Cancel common factors.
5. Polynomial Division
By Monomial
Divide each term or factor out common. E.g., (4y³ + 5y² + 6y) ÷ 2y = 2y² + (5/2)y + 3.
Polynomial by Polynomial
Factorise and cancel commons. E.g., (7x² + 14x) ÷ (x + 2) = 7x.
6. Additional Formulas and Examples
More identities: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). Examples like m⁴ - 256 = (m - 4)(m + 4)(m² + 16).
Key Concepts and Definitions
Factorisation
Writing an expression as a product of factors.
Irreducible Factor
A factor that cannot be expressed further as a product.
Common Factors Method
Separate common factors from terms.
Regrouping
Rearrange terms to find common factors in groups.
Identities
\((a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2\), etc.
Division
Inverse of multiplication; Dividend = Divisor × Quotient.
Important Facts and Figures
Questions and Answers from Chapter
Short Questions
Q1. Find the common factors of 12x, 36.
Q2. Find the common factors of 2y, 22xy.
Q3. Find the common factors of 14pq, 28p²q².
Q4. Find the common factors of 2x, 3x², 4.
Q5. Find the common factors of 6abc, 24ab², 12a²b.
Q6. Find the common factors of 16x³, -4x², 32x.
Q7. Find the common factors of 10pq, 20qr, 30rp.
Q8. Find the common factors of 3x²y³, 10x³y², 6x²y²z.
Q9. Factorise 7x - 42.
Q10. Factorise 6p - 12q.
Q11. Factorise 7a² + 14a.
Q12. Factorise -16z + 20z³.
Q13. Factorise 20l²m + 30alm.
Q14. Factorise 5x²y - 15xy².
Q15. Factorise 10a² - 15b² + 20c².
Medium Questions
Q1. Factorise x² + xy + 8x + 8y.
Q2. Factorise 15xy - 6x + 5y - 2.
Q3. Factorise ax + bx - ay - by.
Q4. Factorise 15pq + 15 + 9q + 25p.
Q5. Factorise z - 7 + 7xy - xyz.
Q6. Factorise a² + 8a + 16.
Q7. Factorise p² - 10p + 25.
Q8. Factorise 25m² + 30m + 9.
Q9. Factorise 49y² + 84yz + 36z².
Q10. Factorise 4x² - 8x + 4.
Q11. Factorise 121b² - 88bc + 16c².
Q12. Factorise (l + m)² - 4lm.
Q13. Factorise a⁴ + 2a²b² + b⁴.
Q14. Factorise 4p² - 9q².
Q15. Factorise 63a² - 112b².
Long Questions
Q1. Factorise -4a² + 4ab - 4ca and explain the process.
Q2. Factorise x²yz + xy²z + xyz² and explain using common factors.
Q3. Factorise ax²y + bxy² + cxyz and explain the method.
Q4. Factorise 49x² - 36 and explain using identity.
Q5. Factorise 16x⁵ - 144x³ and explain.
Q6. Factorise (l + m)² - (l - m)² and explain.
Q7. Factorise 9x²y² - 16 and explain.
Q8. Factorise (x² - 2xy + y²) - z² and explain.
Q9. Factorise ax² + bx and explain.
Q10. Factorise 7p² + 21q² and explain.
Q11. Factorise 2x³ + 2xy² + 2xz² and explain.
Q12. Factorise am² + bm² + bn² + an² and explain.
Q13. Factorise (lm + l) + m + 1 and explain.
Q14. Factorise y(y + z) + 9(y + z) and explain.
Q15. Factorise 5y² - 20y - 8z + 2yz and explain.
Interactive Knowledge Quiz
Test your understanding of Factorisation
Quick Revision Notes
Common Factors
- Separate commons
- Use distributive law
- E.g., 2x + 4 = 2(x + 2)
Regrouping
- Rearrange terms
- Group commons
- E.g., 2xy + 2y + 3x + 3 = (x + 1)(2y + 3)
Identities
- \((a + b)^2\)
- \((a - b)^2\)
- \(a^2 - b^2\)
Division
- Monomial / Monomial
- Polynomial / Monomial
- Factor and cancel
Exam Strategy Tips
- Identify method first
- Use identities where possible
- Check by expansion
- Practice divisions
- Regroup trial/error



























