Question

Factorise the following:

x² + x + bx + b

Answer 1

Given expression: x² + x + bx + b

Step-wise calculation:

1. Group terms to factor by grouping:

(x² + x) + (bx + b)

2. Factor out the common factors in each group:

From (x² + x), factor out (x):

x(x + 1)

From (bx + b), factor out (b):

b(x + 1)

3. Now the expression is:

x(x + 1) + b(x + 1)

4. Factor out the common binomial factor (x + 1):

(x + 1)(x + b)