Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

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

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with three terms, typically in the form of ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What does GCF stand for?

Back

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

Front

How do you factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + bx + c?

Back

To factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + 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 two numbers.

Front

Factor the trinomial: x^2 - 5x + 6

Back

(x - 2)(x - 3)

Front

What is the first step in factoring polynomials?

Back

The first step is to look for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of the terms in the polynomial.

Front

Factor the expression: 2m^2 - 18

Back

2(m + 3)(m - 3)

Front

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

Back

(k + 4)(k - 6)

Front

How do you check if your factorization is correct?

Back

You can check by multiplying the factors back together to see if you get the original expression.

Front

Factor completely: 3x^2 + 18x + 15

Back

3(x + 5)(x + 1)