Factoring Trinomials

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 trinomial?

Back

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

Front

What does GCF stand for in factoring?

Back

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor, which is the largest factor that divides all terms in a polynomial.

Front

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

Back

To factor a trinomial, 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 first step in factoring a polynomial?

Back

The first step is to look for the GCF of all the terms and factor it out.

Front

Factor the trinomial: 6x² – 16x + 8

Back

2(3x – 2)(x – 2)

Front

Factor the difference of squares: x² - 16

Back

(x - 4)(x + 4)

Front

What is the factored form of 3x² - 75?

Back

3(x + 5)(x - 5)

Front

How do you check if your factoring is correct?

Back

You can check by multiplying the factors back together to see if you get the original polynomial.

Front

What is the factored form of x² - 16x + 48?

Back

(x - 12)(x - 4)