Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

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

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 perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is a trinomial that can be expressed as the square of a binomial, in the form (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2.

Front

Factor the trinomial: n^2 + 10n + 25

Back

(n + 5)^2

Front

Is x^2 + 16x + 64 a perfect square trinomial?

Back

Yes

Front

Factor the trinomial: x^2 + 24x + 144

Back

(x + 12)^2

Front

Factor the trinomial: x^2 - 8x + 15

Back

(x - 5)(x - 3)

Front

Factor the trinomial: k^2 + 7k + 10

Back

(k + 2)(k + 5)

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

Identify the coefficients a, b, and c in the trinomial ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

What does the 'ac' method involve in factoring?

Back

The 'ac' method involves multiplying the coefficient of x^2 (a) by the constant term (c) to find two numbers that add to b and multiply to ac.