Factoring Polynomials

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

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

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial completely?

Back

Factoring a polynomial completely means expressing it as a product of irreducible polynomials, meaning it cannot be factored further over the given number system.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic polynomial?

Back

The standard form of a quadratic polynomial is ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants and a ≠ 0.

Front

How do you find the roots of a quadratic equation?

Back

The roots of a quadratic equation can be found using the quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a).

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

The quadratic formula is x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), used to find the roots of the quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0.

Front

What is the difference between factoring and expanding?

Back

Factoring is breaking down an expression into products, while expanding is multiplying out the factors to get the original expression.

Front

What is a common factor?

Back

A common factor is a number or expression that divides two or more numbers or expressions without leaving a remainder.

Front

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

Back

To factor a trinomial of the form x² + bx + c, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b, then express it as (x + m)(x + n), where m and n are those numbers.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern where a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b).