Try It: Factoring Special Cases

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together give the original expression.

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is a quadratic expression that can be expressed as the square of a binomial, typically in the form (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b².

Front

Factor: 3x² - 75

Back

3(x + 5)(x - 5)

Front

Factor: x² - 16

Back

(x - 4)(x + 4)

Front

Is x² + 16x + 64 a perfect square trinomial?

Back

Yes

Front

Factor: x² + 81

Back

Prime (not factorable)

Front

Factor: 4x² + 36x + 81

Back

(2x + 9)²

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring case where an expression is in the form a² - b², which can be factored as (a - b)(a + b).

Front

What does it mean if an expression is prime?

Back

An expression is prime if it cannot be factored into simpler expressions with integer coefficients.

Front

What is the formula for factoring a perfect square trinomial?

Back

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