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This seems like a confusing explanation to me.

We factor equations because that makes it easy to figure out what x is. If you did not know any algebra, and looked at an equation like

Ax^2 = Bx + C

it is not obvious what x can be. But if you factor it into

(x - D)(x - E) = 0

then if you know how zero multiplies, it is fairly clear that x must be D or E.



Your explanation doesn't address where the zero came from in the second step. In other words, you're presupposing that we already know what "factoring" is, which is what this article is meant to explain.


If adding teepees adds clarity I certainly have no business teaching anybody any math.




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