Example

Factoring u2+11u+24u^2 + 11u + 24

Factor u2+11u+24u^2 + 11u + 24 by applying the trinomial factoring strategy. Because the variable is uu, the binomial factors will each begin with uu.

Step 1 — Set up two binomials with first terms uu: (u)(u)(u\quad)(u\quad).

Step 2 — Find two numbers that multiply to 24 and add to 11. List factor pairs of 24 and check their sums:

Factors of 24Sum of factors
1,241, 241+24=251 + 24 = 25
2,122, 122+12=142 + 12 = 14
3,83, 83+8=113 + 8 = 11
4,64, 64+6=104 + 6 = 10

The pair 33 and 88 has a product of 24 and a sum of 11.

Step 3 — Use 3 and 8 as the last terms of the binomials: (u+3)(u+8)(u + 3)(u + 8).

Step 4 — Check by multiplying: (u+3)(u+8)=u2+8u+3u+24=u2+11u+24(u + 3)(u + 8) = u^2 + 8u + 3u + 24 = u^2 + 11u + 24 ✓.

The factored form is (u+3)(u+8)(u + 3)(u + 8). This example shows that the factoring procedure works with any variable — not just xx — by simply using that variable as the first term in each binomial factor.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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