How to factor with this model

Hello,
Sorry, but you cannot use this calculator to factor a general polynomial.
1. It does not know symbolic algebra.
2. It can only manipulate numbers.

However if you have polynomials of degree 2 or 3, with numerical coefficients (no letters) you can set [MODE] to Equation and use the equation solver to find the real roots of 2nd degree or 3rd degree polynomials. Assuming that your polynomials have real roots (X1, X2) for the polynomial of degree 2, or (X1, X2, X3) for the polynomial of degree 3, then it is possible to write

P2(X) =a*(X-X1)(X-X2)
P3(X)= a(X-X1)(X-X2)(X-X3)

where a is the coefficient of the highest degree monomial aX^2 +...
or aX^3 +....

This is an approximate factorization, except if your calculator configured in MathIO, has been able to find exact roots (fractions and radicals)

While the [MODE][5:Equation] only handles quadratic and cubic equations, the [SHIFT][SOLVE=] solver finds the roots of arbitarry expressions (not limited to polynomials). In principle you can use it to find the roots of an expression. If it is a polynomial of dgree higher that 3 you can factor it (approximately).

But I have a hunch that this is not what you wanted to hear.

Hope it helps.