The same type of factoring that algebra uses to solve equations is a great help in solving trigonometry equations. The only trick with the trig equations is to recognize that instead of just x's, y's, or other single-letter variables, trig variables such as sin x or sec y exist.
Here’s a list of the basic factoring patterns so that you know which factoring techniques to apply.
Factoring binomials:
Greatest common factor: ab cb= b (a c)
Difference of squares: a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b)
Sum or difference of cubes: a3 + b3 = (a + b)(a2 – ab + b2) and a3 – b3 = (a – b)(a2 + ab +b2)
Factoring trinomials:
Greatest common factor: ax2 + ax + ac = a(x2 + x + c)
Un-FOIL: abx2 + (ad + bc)x + cd = (ax + c)(bx + d)
Factoring by grouping:
abxy + adx + bcy + cd = ax (by + d) + c (by + d) = (ax + c)(by + d)