Tier 1 · algebra

Factor Quad Ref

Reference card for quadratic factoring rules.

Files (1)

FACTQUAD.py455 bytes

def p(s):print(s)
def o1():
 p("=DIFF SQR=")
 p("a2-b2")
 p("=(a-b)(a+b)")
def o2():
 p("=PERF SQR=")
 p("a2+2ab+b2")
 p("=(a+b)^2")
 p("a2-2ab+b2")
 p("=(a-b)^2")
def o3():
 p("=AC METH=")
 p("ax2+bx+c")
 p("find m,n:")
 p("m*n=a*c")
 p("m+n=b")
def menu():
 while True:
  p("=FACT QUAD=")
  p("1:DIFF SQR")
  p("2:PERF SQR")
  p("3:AC METH")
  p("0:EXIT")
  c=input("?>")
  if c=="1":o1()
  elif c=="2":o2()
  elif c=="3":o3()
  elif c=="0":break
menu()

How to use it

This is a reference card — no math inputs, just factoring patterns on screen.

Launch FACTQUAD from prgm. Pick a pattern from the main menu:

1:DIFF SQR — difference of squares.
2:PERF SQR — perfect-square trinomials.
3:AC METH — the AC method for ax²+bx+c when a ≠ 1.
0:EXIT — leave the program.

Each pattern prints the recipe in 3–4 lines, then returns to the menu.

Example problem

You're factoring x² − 9 on a quiz and can't remember the shortcut.

Run FACTQUAD.
Pick 1:DIFF SQR.
Screen shows: a2-b2 =(a-b)(a+b).

Apply with a=x, b=3: x² − 9 = (x−3)(x+3). ✓

TI-84 Plus CE — try before committingoff

TI-84 Plus CE




  (calculator off)

  Press ON to start.

Test cases (2)

ID	Inputs	Expected contains
diff-squares	1, 0	a2-b2
perf-squares	2, 0	a2+2ab