How do you factor quadratic equations, such as x^2+7x+12, on the
TI-83?  I am not trying to solve, I just want to factor it.

When answering could you please list the steps taken to accomplish
this on the TI-83.

Thanks!

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Request for Question Clarification by answerguru-ga on 16 Oct 2003 12:36 PDT

By solving you actually do solve these types of equation implicitly -
I can describe this more thoroughly in an official answer if you like.
Please let me know :)

answetguru-ga

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Clarification of Question by craveonewave-ga on 16 Oct 2003 13:08 PDT

Yes, please describe the process used to solve this problem on the TI-83.

Thanks!

There is no POLY function on the TI-83 that I am aware of.  The TI-85
has one.  However, you can easily write a simple program for the
quadratic equation.  There are also polynomial root finding programs
available on the web free for download: 
http://education.ti.com/us/product/apps/83p/polysimult.html

Alternatively, you can enter the equation in the Graphing utility,
graph it, and use the "ROOT" function in the graph menu;  you trace
the graph to the closest point on the graph to the root you want to
find and then execute the ROOT function.  It will then give you the X
value.  Call that X1.  Do the same thing with the other root and get
that X value.  Call that X2.  The factorization of the quadratic is
(x-x1)(x-x2)=0.

A little brief for the amount of money given for a response to this
question, but thanks for the link to the TI website and telling me
that I can download a polynomial root finding programs.  I wasn't
aware of that, and that takes care of my problem.

So thank you for your reply.

Another polynomial divisions solver: 
http://www.ticalc.org/archives/files/fileinfo/354/35487.html