Factoring Trinomials a = 1

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to factor a trinomial?

Back

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

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

The standard form is ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What is the leading coefficient in a trinomial?

Back

The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree, usually 'a' in ax^2.

Front

How do you identify the factors of a trinomial?

Back

To identify factors, look for two numbers that multiply to 'c' and add to 'b'.

Front

Factor the trinomial: n^2 - 13n + 40

Back

(n - 5)(n - 8)

Front

Factor the trinomial: n^2 + 16n + 63

Back

(n + 7)(n + 9)

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special case of factoring, expressed as a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b).

Front

Factor the expression: x^2 - 144

Back

(x - 12)(x + 12)

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is a trinomial that can be expressed as (a + b)^2 or (a - b)^2.