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 ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to factor a trinomial?

Back

To factor a trinomial means to express it as a product of two binomials.

Front

What is the FOIL method?

Back

FOIL stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last; it is a method used to multiply two binomials.

Front

How do you check your factoring work?

Back

You can check your work by using the FOIL method to multiply the factors back together.

Front

What is the factored form of x^2 - 5x + 6?

Back

(x - 2)(x - 3) is the factored form of x^2 - 5x + 6.

Front

What is the relationship between the coefficients and the factors of a trinomial?

Back

The sum of the factors equals the coefficient of the x term, and the product of the factors equals the constant term.

Front

What is the factored form of a^2 - 9?

Back

(a - 3)(a + 3) is the factored form of a^2 - 9.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

The first step is to identify the coefficients of the trinomial and look for two numbers that multiply to the constant term and add to the coefficient of the x term.