AP PRECACULUS FACTORING REVIEW

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 between a prime number and a composite number?

Back

A prime number has exactly two distinct positive divisors: 1 and itself. A composite number has more than two positive divisors.

Front

What is the factored form of a quadratic expression?

Back

The factored form of a quadratic expression ax^2 + bx + c is expressed as (px + q)(rx + s), where p, q, r, and s are constants.

Front

How do you factor a difference of squares?

Back

A difference of squares can be factored using the formula a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF of two or more numbers is the largest number that divides all of them without leaving a remainder.

Front

How do you factor by grouping?

Back

To factor by grouping, group terms with common factors, factor out the GCF from each group, and then factor out the common binomial factor.

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 process to factor a trinomial?

Back

To factor a trinomial, find two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b (the coefficient of x). Use these numbers to split the middle term.

Front

What is the zero product property?

Back

The zero product property states that if the product of two factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero.

Front

How do you factor a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial can be factored as (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2 or (a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2.