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How can I split a given polynomial as sum of factors in Mathematica?

For example, let's say I have this polynomial: $2\cdot x^2+7\cdot x+2$.

I would like the output to be $(x+1)(x+2)+x(x+4)$. Is there a way to do that with Mathematica?

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    $\begingroup$ What you want is not really factorization, because that's about multiplication of factors. There's an infinity of terms that can be added to arrive at the same result. But have a look at Factor anyway. $\endgroup$ – Sjoerd C. de Vries Mar 31 '15 at 6:15
  • $\begingroup$ 'Factor' doesn't give a possible way to write factors as sum of products. $\endgroup$ – Baymax Apr 7 '15 at 6:04
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expr = 2 x^2 + 7 x + 2;

expr2 = (x + a) (x + b) + x (x + c);

expr2 /. Solve[Equal @@ (CoefficientList[#, x] & /@ {expr, expr2}),
   {a, b, c}, Integers][[-1]]

(1 + x) (2 + x) + x (4 + x)

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  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for the answer. But, is it possible to implement such a procedure symbolically and for any given polynomial not necessarily quadratic? $\endgroup$ – Baymax Apr 7 '15 at 6:05
  • $\begingroup$ I believe not. The target form (expr2) would have to be specified and generally not all polynomials of a given order can be expressed in the specified form (even if just quadratic). $\endgroup$ – Bob Hanlon Apr 7 '15 at 13:44

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