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 GCF stand for in factoring?

Back

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor, which is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers or terms.

Front

How do you factor the expression k² - 2k - 24?

Back

(k + 4)(k - 6) is the factored form.

Front

What is the first step in factoring polynomials?

Back

The first step is to find the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) of the terms.

Front

Factor the expression n² + 16n + 63.

Back

(n + 7)(n + 9) is the factored form.

Front

What is the factored form of 9x² - 6x - 8?

Back

(3x + 2)(3x - 4) is the factored form.

Front

What does it mean to factor completely?

Back

Factoring completely means breaking down a polynomial into its simplest factors, including any common factors.

Front

Factor the expression 2x² - 2x - 6 completely.

Back

2(x² - x - 3) is the factored form.

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.