Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

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

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with three terms, typically in the form ax² + bx + c.

Front

What does GCF stand for in factoring?

Back

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor, which is the largest factor that divides all terms in a polynomial.

Front

How do you factor a trinomial of the form x² + bx + c?

Back

To factor a trinomial of this form, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b, then express the trinomial as (x + m)(x + n), where m and n are those two numbers.

Front

What is the first step in factoring the expression 3x² + 18x + 15?

Back

The first step is to factor out the GCF, which is 3, resulting in 3(x² + 6x + 5).

Front

How do you check if a factored expression is correct?

Back

You can check by multiplying the factors back together to see if you obtain the original expression.

Front

What is the factored form of a² - a - 12?

Back

(a - 4)(a + 3) is the factored form of a² - a - 12.

Front

What is the factored form of 3x² + 18x + 15?

Back

3(x + 5)(x + 1) is the factored form of 3x² + 18x + 15.

Front

What is the factored form of 3a² + 4a + 1?

Back

(3a + 1)(a + 1) is the factored form of 3a² + 4a + 1.

Front

What is the factored form of 2m² + 3m - 9?

Back

(m + 3)(2m - 3) is the factored form of 2m² + 3m - 9.