Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to factor a trinomial?

Back

Factoring a trinomial involves rewriting it as a product of two binomials.

Front

What is the general form of a factored trinomial?

Back

The general form is (x + p)(x + q), where p and q are numbers that satisfy the equation.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

Identify the coefficients a, b, and c in the trinomial ax² + bx + c.

Front

How do you find the factors of a trinomial?

Back

Look for two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special case of factoring, expressed as a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor the trinomial: m² - 81

Back

(m + 9)(m - 9) - This is a difference of squares.

Front

Factor the trinomial: x² + 9x - 36

Back

(x + 12)(x - 3) - Find two numbers that multiply to -36 and add to 9.

Front

Factor the trinomial: r² - 16r + 60

Back

(r - 6)(r - 10) - Find two numbers that multiply to 60 and add to -16.

Front

Factor the trinomial: n² + 16n + 63

Back

(n + 7)(n + 9) - Find two numbers that multiply to 63 and add to 16.