Factoring Trinomials (a not 1)

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial that consists of three terms, typically in the form ax² + bx + c.

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

Back

Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of its factors, which are polynomials of lower degrees.

Front

What is the general form of a trinomial when factoring?

Back

The general form of a trinomial is ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial of the form ax² + bx + c?

Back

The first step is to identify the coefficients a, b, and c, and check if there is a common factor.

Front

How do you factor a trinomial when a is not equal to 1?

Back

To factor a trinomial where a ≠ 1, look for two numbers that multiply to a*c and add to b.

Front

What is the significance of the 'ac' method in factoring trinomials?

Back

The 'ac' method helps find two numbers that multiply to the product of the leading coefficient (a) and the constant term (c), and add to the middle coefficient (b).

Front

What is the factored form of 6x² + 5x - 6?

Back

(3x - 2)(2x + 3) is the factored form of 6x² + 5x - 6.

Front

How do you check if your factorization is correct?

Back

To check if the factorization is correct, multiply the factors back together and see if you obtain the original polynomial.

Front

What is the factored form of 2x² - 13x - 70?

Back

(2x + 7)(x - 10) is the factored form of 2x² - 13x - 70.

Front

What is the factored form of 3n² - 15n + 18?

Back

3(n - 3)(n - 2) is the factored form of 3n² - 15n + 18.