Factoring Quadratics

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 quadratic expression?

Back

A quadratic expression is a polynomial of degree 2, typically in the form ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What does GCF stand for?

Back

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor, which is the largest factor that two or more numbers have in common.

Front

How do you find the GCF of a polynomial?

Back

To find the GCF of a polynomial, identify the highest degree of each variable and the largest coefficient that divides all terms.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

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

Front

What is the factored form of a quadratic expression?

Back

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

Front

What is the process of factoring by grouping?

Back

Factoring by grouping involves rearranging and grouping terms in a polynomial to factor out common factors from each group.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring case where an expression is in the form a² - b², which factors to (a + b)(a - b).

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

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

Front

How do you factor a trinomial?

Back

To factor a trinomial, look for two numbers that multiply to the constant term (c) and add to the linear coefficient (b).