Midterm Review

Front

Factor each completely: 3k^2 + 12k - 180

Back

3(k + 10)(k - 6)

Front

What is the first step in factoring a quadratic expression?

Back

Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms.

Front

Define a quadratic expression.

Back

A polynomial of degree 2, typically in the form ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What does it mean to factor an expression completely?

Back

To express it as a product of its simplest factors.

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a) for ax² + bx + c = 0.

Front

How do you find the roots of a quadratic equation?

Back

Set the equation to zero and solve for x using factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.

Front

What is the significance of the discriminant in a quadratic equation?

Back

It determines the nature of the roots: positive (two real roots), zero (one real root), negative (no real roots).

Front

What is the process of completing the square?

Back

Rearranging a quadratic equation into the form (x - p)² = q to find its roots.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

An expression consisting of variables raised to non-negative integer powers and coefficients.

Front

Define the term 'coefficient' in a polynomial.

Back

A numerical factor in a term of a polynomial.