Factoring Polynomials using the Square Box Method

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 polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What is the Square Box Method for factoring?

Back

The Square Box Method is a visual technique used to factor trinomials by organizing the terms in a box to find two binomials that multiply to the original polynomial.

Front

What are the steps to factor a trinomial using the Square Box Method?

Back

1. Write the trinomial in standard form. 2. Create a square box. 3. Place the first term in the top left and the last term in the bottom right. 4. Find two numbers that multiply to the last term and add to the middle term. 5. Fill in the box and write the factors.

Front

Factor the polynomial: m² + 10m + 21

Back

(m+3)(m+7)

Front

Factor the polynomial: x² + 8x + 15

Back

(x+3)(x+5)

Front

Factor the polynomial: z² + 11z + 18

Back

(z+9)(z+2)

Front

Factor the polynomial: b² + 5b + 6

Back

(b+3)(b+2)

Front

Factor the polynomial: n² + 7n + 10

Back

(n+2)(n+5)

Front

What is the leading coefficient in a polynomial?

Back

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree in a polynomial.