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How can we factorise a polynomial by spliting the middle term
This task is based on the concept of factorising a quadratic polynomial by splitting the middle term.

Example Factorise by splitting the middle term
x2 + 6x + 8

Solution:

Step 1: Observe the product of coefficient of x2 and constant term. It is (1)(8) = 8

Step 2: Observe the coefficient of x. It is 6

Step3: Think of two numbers whose product is 8 and sum is 6.
2 x 4 = 8
2 + 4 = 6

Step 4: Write 6x = 2x+4x
x2 + 6x+ 8
=x2 + 2x + 4x + 8

Step 5: Take out the common factors as shown below
x (x + 2) + 4(x + 2)

=(x + 4)(x + 2)


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