Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with three terms, typically in the form ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What does it mean to factor a trinomial?

Back

Factoring a trinomial involves rewriting it as a product of two binomials.

Front

What is the general form of factoring a trinomial?

Back

The general form is (x + p)(x + q) where p and q are numbers that satisfy the equation.

Front

How do you identify the coefficients in a trinomial?

Back

In the trinomial ax^2 + bx + c, 'a' is the coefficient of x^2, 'b' is the coefficient of x, and 'c' is the constant term.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

The first step is to identify the coefficients a, b, and c from the trinomial.

Front

What is the significance of the product and sum in factoring?

Back

The product of p and q should equal 'ac' and the sum should equal 'b' in the trinomial ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

How do you factor the trinomial n^2 + 5n - 6?

Back

The factors are (n - 1)(n + 6).

Front

What is the area of a rectangle represented by a trinomial?

Back

The area can be expressed as a trinomial, and factoring it gives the dimensions of the rectangle.

Front

How do you factor the expression x^2 + 9x - 36?

Back

The factors are (x + 12)(x - 3).

Front

What does it mean if a trinomial is prime?

Back

A trinomial is prime if it cannot be factored into the product of two binomials.