Factoring

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

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

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial that consists of three terms, typically in the form ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

How do you factor the trinomial x^2 + 5x + 6?

Back

The factors are (x + 2)(x + 3).

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest positive integer that divides all the numbers in a set without leaving a remainder.

Front

What is the GCF of 20 and 16?

Back

The GCF is 4.

Front

What is a factor?

Back

A factor is a number or algebraic expression that divides another number or expression evenly.

Front

Which of these is a factor of 18: 4, 5, 36, 3?

Back

The factor is 3.

Front

How do you simplify (x - 9)(x - 7)?

Back

The simplification results in x^2 - 16x + 63.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special product that can be factored as a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial?

Back

The first step is to look for the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms.