Factoring

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

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

Front

What is the factored form of x² - 9?

Back

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

Front

How do you factor a quadratic expression of the form ax² + bx + c?

Back

Look for two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b, then rewrite the expression using these numbers.

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers or expressions.

Front

Factor the expression: 6x² + 9x.

Back

3x(2x + 3) - The GCF is 3x.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

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

Front

Factor the expression: x² + 5x + 6.

Back

(x + 2)(x + 3) - The numbers 2 and 3 multiply to 6 and add to 5.

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is an expression that can be factored into the square of a binomial, e.g., a² + 2ab + b² = (a + b)².

Front

Factor the expression: 4x² - 16.

Back

4(x - 2)(x + 2) - This is a difference of squares.

Front

What is the factored form of 2x² + 8x?

Back

2x(x + 4) - The GCF is 2x.