You may have a vague memory and understanding that numbers come in two forms: prime numbers and composite numbers. (Or at least prime and not prime.) Both of these terms have to do with a number's...
Tag: factoring
Shortly after we start multiplying, we're taught to factor numbers. So often it feels like a pointless rite of passage that we're forced to endure. We learn it devoid of all the contexts it will be...
The area model is a tool for organizing multiplication and division problems. The area model helps to ensure that each place value of one factor (one of the numbers being multiplied) is appropriately...
The number 72 is frequently used to demonstrate deep mathematical structure. Not only does it have factors other than 1 and itself (it is composite, or not prime), it has quite a lot of them, and its...
It's tempting to think that squaring a binomial means simply squaring each term. I mean, if math is logical and makes sense, it should be that easy, right? Yet, algebra students (and even students...
Meme credit: Howie Hua Factoring expressions is one of those tasks in algebra that often feel tedious and pointless. This is even more true once someone points out that the vast majority of...