Factoring

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference of two squares?

Back

The difference of two squares is a special factoring formula that states: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). It can only be applied when the expression is a subtraction of two perfect squares.

Front

Can you factor an expression with an addition sign using the difference of two squares?

Back

No, you cannot factor using the difference of two squares if the expression contains an addition sign.

Front

Factor the expression: 2k² - 14k - 60

Back

2(k - 10)(k + 3)

Front

Factor the expression: x² + 7x - 30

Back

(x + 10)(x - 3)

Front

Factor the expression: k² + 7k + 10

Back

(k + 2)(k + 5)

Front

Factor completely: 2x² + 22x + 60

Back

2(x + 5)(x + 6)

Front

What is a perfect square?

Back

A perfect square is a number that can be expressed as the square of an integer. For example, 1, 4, 9, 16, and 25 are perfect squares.

Front

What does it mean to factor completely?

Back

To factor completely means to break down an expression into its simplest factors, such that no further factoring is possible.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a quadratic expression?

Back

The first step is to look for a common factor in all terms of the expression.