Factoring trinomials

Front

What is factoring?

Back

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

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with three terms, usually in the form ax² + bx + c.

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

What is the FOIL method?

Back

FOIL is a method used to multiply two binomials. It stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with two terms, such as (x + 3) or (x - 5).

Front

How do you factor (x - 3)(x - 3)?

Back

You can express it as (x - 3)².

Front

What is the factored form of x² - 9?

Back

The factored form is (x + 3)(x - 3).

Front

What is the factored form of x² + 7x - 30?

Back

The factored form is (x + 10)(x - 3).

Front

What is the factored form of x² + 17x - 60?

Back

The factored form is (x + 20)(x - 3).

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

The first step is to look for two numbers that multiply to the constant term and add to the coefficient of the middle term.