Algebraic equations usually need to be simplified to solve for the variable. When an equation has four terms, you will need to combine different techniques to do this. Grouping breaks the large problem into smaller ones and factoring pulls out common terms. By using these techniques in the proper order you will be able to solve equations with four terms.
Instructions
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1
Group the terms into two pairs. Put parentheses around each pair.
y^3 + 3y^2 - y + 3
(y^3+ 3y^2) - (y + 3)
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2
Factor the greatest common factor out of each pair. If there is nothing to factor then write a 1.
y^2(y + 3) - 1(y + 3)
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3
Factor the common binomial from each pair and multiply it by the binomial that remains.
(y^2 - 1)(y + 3)