Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to factor a trinomial?

Back

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

Front

What is the general form of factoring a trinomial?

Back

The general form is (x + p)(x + q) where p and q are numbers that add to b and multiply to c.

Front

Factor the trinomial: x² + 5x + 6

Back

(x + 2)(x + 3)

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

Identify the coefficients a, b, and c in the trinomial ax² + bx + c.

Front

How do you determine if a trinomial is factorable?

Back

A trinomial is factorable if there are two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b.

Front

Factor the trinomial: x² - 4

Back

(x - 2)(x + 2) (This is a difference of squares.)

Front

What is the significance of the 'ac' method in factoring?

Back

The 'ac' method helps find two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b, aiding in factoring.

Front

Factor the trinomial: 2x² + 7x + 3

Back

(2x + 1)(x + 3)

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is a trinomial that can be expressed as the square of a binomial, e.g., (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b².