I need help on factoring

[cj2452548]

nx2 - nx + n
I forgot how to slove it if you can give me the steps it would be greatly apperciate

(Note: N stands for number X is the variable and the 2 means squared)

 

[tkhunny]

nx2 - nx + n

In this case, one would start by removing factors that are common to ALL terms. The Distributive Property of Multiplication over Addition is very useful for this effort.

n*(x^2 - x + 1)

That '1' on the end is very telling. It has factors (1)*(1) or (-1)*(-1). Those are the ONLY choices.

(x+1)^2 = x^2 + 2x + 1
(x-1)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1

Neither is that which we seek, so it can't be factored. Also, if it were an equation:

n*(x^2 - x + 1) = 0

...we couldn't solve it over the Real Numbers.

 

[tkhunny]

It dawns on me that you may not have wanted 'n' to mean the same number in EACH case. That would require a much lengthier response. In fact, you should have whole chapters on it in your book, if you have one. Rewriting your text book won't help anyone. Do you have a book?

Look Up:
* Factoring
* Completing the Square
* Quadratic Formula

Post a specific problem and what you have done to solve it. Give us a chance to se where you are struggling.