Factor 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 involves rewriting it as a product of two binomials.

Front

What is the general form of a factored trinomial?

Back

The general form is (px + q)(rx + s), where p, q, r, and s are constants.

Front

How do you identify the coefficients in a trinomial?

Back

In the trinomial ax² + bx + c, 'a' is the coefficient of x², 'b' is the coefficient of x, and 'c' is the constant term.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

The first step is to look for a common factor in all terms, if one exists.

Front

How do you factor the trinomial 2m² + 3m - 9?

Back

The trinomial factors to (m + 3)(2m - 3).

Front

What is the significance of the discriminant in factoring?

Back

The discriminant (b² - 4ac) helps determine the nature of the roots of the trinomial.

Front

What does it mean if a trinomial is not factorable?

Back

If a trinomial is not factorable, it cannot be expressed as a product of two binomials with rational coefficients.

Front

What are factor pairs?

Back

Factor pairs are two numbers that, when multiplied together, give a specific product.

Front

How do you find all factor pairs of a number?

Back

To find factor pairs, list all pairs of integers that multiply to the number.