Example

Factoring u29u+18u^2 - 9u + 18

To factor the trinomial u29u+18u^2 - 9u + 18, find two numbers that multiply to 1818 and add to 9-9. Because the constant term (1818) is positive and the middle term (9u-9u) is negative, both factors must be negative.

List the negative factor pairs of 1818:

  • 1-1 and 18-18: sum is 19-19
  • 2-2 and 9-9: sum is 11-11
  • 3-3 and 6-6: sum is 9-9 The pair 3-3 and 6-6 adds to 9-9.

Use these numbers to write the binomial factors: (u3)(u6)(u - 3)(u - 6).

Check the result by multiplying: (u3)(u6)=u26u3u+18=u29u+18(u - 3)(u - 6) = u^2 - 6u - 3u + 18 = u^2 - 9u + 18.

The factored form is (u3)(u6)(u - 3)(u - 6).

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Updated 2026-04-29

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