Factoring

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, called factors.

Front

What is a quadratic expression?

Back

A quadratic expression is a polynomial of degree 2, typically in the form ax² + bx + c.

Front

What is the factored form of x² - 9?

Back

(x + 3)(x - 3) - This is an example of the difference of squares.

Front

How do you factor a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial can be factored as (a + b)² or (a - b)², where a² + 2ab + b² = (a + b)² and a² - 2ab + b² = (a - b)².

Front

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial?

Back

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

Front

Factor the expression: x² + 16x + 64.

Back

(x + 8)(x + 8) - This is a perfect square trinomial.

Front

What is the factored form of 4b⁵ + 4b³ + 16b²?

Back

4b²(b³ + b + 4) - Factor out the greatest common factor.

Front

How do you factor the expression a² - a - 12?

Back

(a - 4)(a + 3) - Find two numbers that multiply to -12 and add to -1.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

What is the factored form of k² - 2k - 24?

Back

(k + 4)(k - 6) - Find two numbers that multiply to -24 and add to -2.