Factoring Quadratics

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, called factors.

Front

What is a quadratic expression?

Back

A quadratic expression is a polynomial of degree 2, typically in the form ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What are the factors of x² + 3x - 40?

Back

(x + 8)(x - 5)

Front

What is the factored form of 25x² - 9?

Back

(5x + 3)(5x - 3)

Front

How do you factor a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial can be factored as (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b² or (a - b)² = a² - 2ab + b².

Front

What are the factors of 5x² + 20x + 20?

Back

5(x + 2)(x + 2)

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

What are the factors of x² - 8x - 48?

Back

(x - 12)(x + 4)

Front

What is the factored form of x² - 81?

Back

(x - 9)(x + 9)

Front

What is the first step in factoring a quadratic expression?

Back

The first step is to look for two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b.