Factoring Polynomials

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What is the GCF (Greatest Common Factor)?

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The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers have in common. It is used in factoring polynomials to simplify expressions.

Front

True or False: You should always try factoring by GCF first.

Back

True

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What does it mean to factor a polynomial?

Back

Factoring a polynomial means expressing it as a product of its factors, which can be numbers, variables, or other polynomials.

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What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

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What is the standard form of a polynomial?

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The standard form of a polynomial is written in descending order of the degree of its terms, such as ax^n + bx^(n-1) + ... + k.

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What is a binomial?

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A binomial is a polynomial that contains exactly two terms, such as x + 5 or 3x^2 - 2.

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What is a trinomial?

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A trinomial is a polynomial that contains exactly three terms, such as x^2 + 5x + 6.

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What is the difference of squares?

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The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern that states a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b).

Tags

CCSS.HSA.APR.C.4

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How do you factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + bx + c?

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To factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b, then express it as (x + m)(x + n).

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What is the FOIL method?

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The FOIL method is a technique used to multiply two binomials, standing for First, Outside, Inside, Last.

Tags

CCSS.HSA.APR.A.1