Factoring

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

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 does GCF stand for in factoring?

Back

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor, which is the largest factor that divides all terms in a polynomial.

Front

How do you factor the expression 3x² + 5x - 12?

Back

(3x - 4)(x + 3)

Front

What is the first step in factoring polynomials?

Back

Find the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) of the terms.

Front

What is the difference of two squares?

Back

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

Front

Can you factor 49x² + 4y² using the difference of two squares? Why or why not?

Back

No, because it is an addition, not a subtraction.

Front

What are the factors of 25x² - 81?

Back

(5x - 9)(5x + 9)

Front

What is the formula for factoring a perfect square trinomial?

Back

a² + 2ab + b² = (a + b)² or a² - 2ab + b² = (a - b)².

Front

How do you factor the expression 18x² - 50 completely?

Back

2(3x + 5)(3x - 5)

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression consisting of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents.