Strategy #2: Use Factor Pairs to Solve Integer Problems

When a problem involves finding two integers with a given product (e.g., “the product of two positive integers is 36”), list all factor pairs systematically: (1, 36), (2, 18), (3, 12), (4, 9), (6, 6). This structured approach prevents missed cases that lead to wrong answers.

Practice Tip: Any time you see phrases like “two whole numbers,” “integer values of x,” or “factors of n,” immediately shift into factor-pair mode before doing any other algebra.