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 does it mean to factor a quadratic expression?

Back

To factor a quadratic expression means to express it as a product of two binomials.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

The standard form of a quadratic equation is ax² + bx + c = 0.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

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

Front

How do you factor x² - 81?

Back

x² - 81 can be factored as (x - 9)(x + 9) using the difference of squares.

Front

What is the sum and product method for factoring quadratics?

Back

The sum and product method involves finding two numbers that add to b and multiply to c in the quadratic ax² + bx + c.

Front

How do you factor x² + 3x - 40?

Back

To factor x² + 3x - 40, find two numbers that add to 3 and multiply to -40: (x + 8)(x - 5).

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is an expression that can be factored into the square of a binomial, such as a² + 2ab + b² = (a + b)².

Front

How do you factor 5x² + 20x + 20?

Back

Factor out the common factor: 5(x² + 4x + 4) = 5(x + 2)².