Structural Factorization

Definition

Structural Factorization in plain English

Pull Structural Factorization when an expression factors into pieces that unlock divisibility or roots. Clues include Factor, difference of squares, common factor. Blueprint: Factor completely before dividing or comparing. Cancel only factors that are truly shared. Why it beats the long way: Expanding first buries the factors you need to cancel or test. Micro-example: n^2-1 with n=10 factors as (n-1)(n+1)=9· 11=99. Cancel or test divisibility on the factors, not on the expanded square.

Related GMAT terms

• Harmonic Mean
• Complement Rule
• Standard Double-Matrix
• Linear Multi-Count Equation
• Complement Extreme Shortcut
• Slicing Isolated Pools
• Isolated Element Identity
• Slot Method
• Glue-Block Permutation
• Total Minus Unwanted