Factor Trinomials

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

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

Front

How do you factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + bx + c?

Back

To factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b.

Front

Back

(x + 3)(x + 5)

Front

What is the square of a binomial?

Back

The square of a binomial (a + b)^2 is equal to a^2 + 2ab + b^2.

Front

Back

(x + 12)^2

Front

What does it mean to factor completely?

Back

Factoring completely means breaking down a polynomial into its simplest factors that cannot be factored further.

Front

Back

(x + 9)(x + 8)

Front

What is the relationship between the coefficients and roots of a trinomial?

Back

The sum of the roots is equal to -b/a and the product of the roots is equal to c/a for a trinomial ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

Back

(b + 7)(b + 1)

Front

What is a prime polynomial?

Back

A prime polynomial is a polynomial that cannot be factored into simpler polynomials with integer coefficients.