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 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 factoring a trinomial?

Back

The general form is (px + q)(rx + s), where p, q, r, and s are constants.

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

How do you find two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b?

Back

Look for two numbers that, when multiplied, equal the product of a and c, and when added, equal b.

Front

Factor the trinomial: 3x^2 - 7x - 6

Back

(3x + 2)(x - 3)

Front

Factor the trinomial: x^2 + 9x - 36

Back

(x + 12)(x - 3)

Front

Factor the trinomial: x^2 + 7x - 30

Back

(x + 10)(x - 3)

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special case of factoring, expressed as a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor the expression: 3x^2 - 75

Back

3(x + 5)(x - 5)