Factoring Polynomials.

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 are the factors of the polynomial 3b² + 17b + 20?

Back

(3b + 5)(b + 4)

Front

How do you factor a quadratic expression of the form ax² + bx + c?

Back

To factor a quadratic expression, find two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b. Use these numbers to split the middle term and factor by grouping.

Front

What is the factored form of n² + 16n + 63?

Back

(n + 7)(n + 9)

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

What are the factors of x² - 25?

Back

(x + 5)(x - 5) - This is an example of the difference of squares.

Front

What is the factored form of x² - 17x + 72?

Back

(x - 9)(x - 8)

Front

How do you factor the polynomial x² + x - 6?

Back

Find two numbers that multiply to -6 and add to 1. The factors are (x + 3)(x - 2).

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

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

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.