Mathematics for IGCSE & O level - Algebraic Manipulation (Section 8 - No. 15)

What is the first step in factorizing an expression of the form x² + bx + c?

Identify the factors of 'c'

Find the greatest common factor

Look for a perfect square

Check if the expression is a difference of two squares

The first step is to identify the factors of 'c', the constant term, in order to find two numbers that add up to 'b'.