Factored form is a way of expressing a polynomial as a product of its factors. For example, a quadratic polynomial like x² - 5x + 6 can be factored into (x - 2)(x - 3). This form is useful because it makes it easier to find the roots or solutions of the equation, which are the values of x that make the polynomial equal to zero. In algebra, factored form helps simplify calculations and solve equations more efficiently. It is particularly important in topics like algebraic expressions and graphing, as it provides insights into the behavior of the polynomial, such as its intercepts and turning points.