Start by factoring 901. You want two factors that multiply to make 901 and that add to make -70.Poker-face said:Does anybody know any tips on factoring large numbers.
For example- x[2] - 70x + 901=0
I keep running into large numbers like these and spend a lot of time trying factor them out. Is their any short cut other than just trial and error?
Thanks, EG
Mark44 said:No, it's not a random process at all, and it isn't trial and error, either.
901 is odd, so you don't need to try 2, 4, 6, 8, and so on.
901 isn't a multiple of 3 (the digits don't add up to 3), so you don't need to try 3, 6, 9, 12, ...
901 doesn't end in a 0 or 5, so you don't need to try 5, 10, 15, 20, ...
All you need to do is check prime numbers up to 30, which is approximately the square root of 901. If you go past 30, the other factor will be less than 30, so you should already have caught it
Poker-face said:Their are also asking me to find the square root of numbers like 1/117,649. how do you break this numbers without a calculator?
Thanks, EG
Mark44 said:Let's just look at the denominator - 117,649
100 * 100 = 10,000
300 * 300 = 90,000
400 * 400 = 160, 000
so for the square root of 117,649, you're looking for a number between 300 and 400, but closer to 300 than 400. The last digit of 117,649 is 9, so the last digit of its square root has to be 3. So try 303 (probably too small), 313, 323, and so on. Whatever answer you get, take the reciprocal for the square root of 1/117,649.
For any number that's divisible by 3, the digits add up to 3 or a multiple of 3.Poker-face said:I see, what do you mean bye (the digits don't add up to 3)?
Factoring in intermediate algebra is the process of breaking down a mathematical expression into smaller, simpler expressions. It involves finding the factors, or numbers or expressions that can be multiplied together to get the original expression.
Factoring is important in intermediate algebra because it allows us to simplify complex expressions and solve equations. It also helps us identify patterns and relationships between different expressions, which is useful in solving more advanced algebraic problems.
The three main methods of factoring in intermediate algebra are the greatest common factor (GCF) method, the difference of squares method, and the grouping method. Other methods include factoring by grouping, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula.
The method of factoring to use depends on the type of expression you are given. For example, the GCF method is useful when the expression has common factors, the difference of squares method is used for binomials in the form of a^2 - b^2, and the grouping method is used for expressions with four or more terms.
Some common mistakes to avoid when factoring in intermediate algebra include not checking for common factors, using the wrong method, forgetting to factor out negative signs, and not checking the final answer for correctness. It is also important to remember to always double check your work and simplify your final answer.