Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with 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 standard form of a quadratic trinomial?

Back

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

Front

How do you identify the coefficients in a trinomial?

Back

In the trinomial ax² + bx + c, 'a' is the coefficient of x², 'b' is the coefficient of x, and 'c' is the constant term.

Front

What is the purpose of factoring trinomials?

Back

Factoring trinomials simplifies expressions and helps solve quadratic equations.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

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

Front

Factor the trinomial: x² + 5x + 6

Back

(x + 2)(x + 3)

Front

Factor the trinomial: 2x² + 7x + 3

Back

(2x + 1)(x + 3)

Front

What is a common factor?

Back

A common factor is a number or expression that divides two or more numbers or expressions without leaving a remainder.

Front

How do you factor out the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

To factor out the GCF, identify the largest factor common to all terms and divide each term by it.