Factor Trinomial when a ≠ 1 with AC Method
By: Sere Tonuzi and Mackenzie Evans


The AC Method
  • The AC Method is an extension of factoring by grouping
  • The AC Method is used when the first coefficient is not 1

Ax² + Bx + C
A ≠ 1

Step 1: Multiply A and C together and list the factors of them
Step 2: Find a pair of numbers that will add up to B. If there is no pair that adds up to B, the trinomial does not factor
Step 3: Rewrite the middle term as a sum of terms whose coefficients are the chosen pair
Step 4: Factor by grouping

*But always take out the GCF first, if there is one!


Math Project.mov
Second movie




Click on this link for a website that explains more about the AC Method!!
http://people.richland.edu/james/misc/acmeth.html