Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial that consists of three terms, typically in the form ax² + bx + c.

Front

What does it mean to factor a trinomial?

Back

Factoring a trinomial involves rewriting it as a product of two binomials.

Front

What is the general form of factoring a trinomial?

Back

The general form is ax² + bx + c = (px + q)(rx + s), where p, q, r, and s 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 first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

The first step is to look for a common factor in all terms, if one exists.

Front

How do you factor the trinomial 2x² + 3x - 9?

Back

The trinomial factors to (x + 3)(2x - 3).

Front

What is the significance of the middle term in a trinomial?

Back

The middle term (b) is used to find two numbers that multiply to ac (product of a and c) and add to b.

Front

What is the factored form of 3a² + 4a + 1?

Back

The factored form is (3a + 1)(a + 1).

Front

How do you factor the trinomial 3v² - 4v - 7?

Back

The trinomial factors to (3v - 7)(v + 1).

Front

What is the factored form of k² - 2k - 24?

Back

The factored form is (k + 4)(k - 6).