1. Factoring – Trinomials (a ≠ 1), Bottoms Up Method – Why It Works The following will explain why it works. It is assumed you have looked at the slideshow for factoring using the “Bottoms Up” method.

2. Example Factor using the Bottoms Up method: 1.Determine ac. 2.Write x 2 +bx+ac form. 3.Factor 4.Divide by a. 5.Reduce and Bottoms Up

3. Bottoms Up method Now the same problem with the B.U. method on the side for comparison. 1.Factor out a.

4. Bottoms Up method 2.Multiply the third term of the trinomial by value of 1 in 5/5 form. Note how ac is being formed

5. Bottoms Up method 3.Simplify The B.U. trinomial can be seen in the expression’s numerators.

6. Bottoms Up method 4.Factor The B.U. factored form is now found in the expression.

7. Bottoms Up method 5.Reduce

8. Bottoms Up method 6.Distribute the 5.