How to Solve Quadratic Equations by Factoring (NancyPi)

MIT grad shows how to solve any quadratic equation by factoring. To skip to the shortcut trick, go to time 6:11. Nancy formerly of MathBFF explains the steps. Follow me on Instagram!   / nancypi   Follow me on Twitter:   / nancypi   The shortcut trick ("The Magic X") helps you factor any tough quadratic that doesn't begin with x^2 but instead begins w/ 2x^2 or 3x^2, or 4x^2, etc, so you can then solve. 1) IF QUADRATIC STARTS WITH X^2: It's faster to use the normal method for factoring in this case: trial and error. Ex: x^2 + 4x - 12. Find 2 numbers that multiply to the last number, -12, AND that add to the second coefficient, positive 4. First make a list of all pairs of #s that multiply to -12. Then check which pair also adds to 4. Write factors & solve by setting each = 0. Solve for x. 2) IF QUADRATIC STARTS WITH 2X^2 OR 3X^2 OR 4X^2, ETC: A) First check if leading coefficient (2 or 3 or 4, etc) is an overall constant you can factor out of every term. If it is, factor it out first, then use Method #1 above to factor the X^2 expression that's left. Set factors = 0 & solve. B) If a constant can't be factored out evenly from every term, it'll be faster & easier to use shortcut "magic X" method instead of Method #1. See it explained at time 6:11 in video. Set factors = 0 & solve. For more of my math videos, check out: http://nancypi.com