Factoring Flashcard Warm-Up

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, or factors, that when multiplied together give the original expression.

Front

What is the factored form of a quadratic equation?

Back

The factored form of a quadratic equation is expressed as (ax + b)(cx + d), where a, b, c, and d are constants.

Front

How do you factor a quadratic expression of the form ax^2 + bx + c?

Back

To factor a quadratic expression, find two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b. Then, rewrite the expression using these numbers to split the middle term.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern that states a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b).

Front

How do you factor a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial can be factored as (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 or (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial?

Back

The first step in factoring a polynomial is to look for the greatest common factor (GCF) of all the terms and factor it out.

Front

What is the factored form of 5x^2 + 20x + 20?

Back

The factored form is 5(x + 2)(x + 2) or 5(x + 2)^2.

Front

How do you factor the expression x^2 - 81?

Back

This expression is a difference of squares and can be factored as (x - 9)(x + 9).

Front

What is the factored form of n^2 + 5n - 6?

Back

The factored form is (n - 1)(n + 6).

Front

How do you factor x^2 - 10x - 24?

Back

To factor this expression, find two numbers that multiply to -24 and add to -10. The factored form is (x - 12)(x + 2).