AoPSWiki
Looking for a challenging geometry text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams? Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Geometry by Richard Rusczyk.
Personal tools

Simon's Favorite Factoring Trick

From AoPSWiki

Simon's Favorite Factoring Trick (abbreviated SFFT) is a special factorization first popularized by AoPS user Simon Rubinstein-Salzedo. This appears to be the thread where Simon's favorite factoring trick was first introduced. The general statement of SFFT is: {xy}+{xk}+{yj}+{jk}=(x+j)(y+k). Two special common cases are: xy + x + y + 1 = (x+1)(y+1) and xy - x - y +1 = (x-1)(y-1).

The act of adding {jk} to {xy}+{xk}+{yj} in order to be able to factor it could be called "completing the rectangle" in analogy to the more familiar "completing the square."

Contents

Applications

This factorization frequently shows up on contest problems, especially those heavy on algebraic manipulation. Usually x and y are variables and j,k are known constants. Also, it is typically necessary to add the jk term to both sides to perform the factorization.

Problems

Introductory

  • Two different prime numbers between 4 and 18 are chosen. When their sum is subtracted from their product, which of the following numbers could be obtained?

\mathrm{(A) \ 21 } \qquad \mathrm{(B) \ 60 } \qquad \mathrm{(C) \ 119 } \qquad \mathrm{(D) \ 180 } \qquad \mathrm{(E) \ 231 }

(Source)

Intermediate

  • m, n are integers such that m^2 + 3m^2n^2 = 30n^2 + 517. Find 3m^2n^2.

(Source)

Olympiad

This problem has not been edited in. If you know this problem, please help us out by adding it.

See Also

Math Zoom Summer Program in Sunny Los Angeles: World renowned coaches and proven curricula. Learn problem-solving, expand math horizons, win in math contests. Make friends and have fun!
Sponsored Ad
© Copyright 2008 AoPS Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. • FoundationPrivacyContact Us