Factoring Polynomials

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 a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What does it mean to factor a polynomial completely?

Back

Factoring a polynomial completely means expressing it as a product of irreducible polynomials, meaning it cannot be factored further.

Front

What is the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers or terms without leaving a remainder.

Front

How do you find the GCF of 8r^3 and 16r^2?

Back

The GCF is 8r^2.

Front

Factor the expression: 8r^3 + 16r^2

Back

8r^2(r + 2) is the factored form.

Front

What is the quadratic formula?

Back

The quadratic formula is x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), used to find the roots of a quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0.

Front

Factor the quadratic: 2x² - 7x + 6

Back

(x - 2)(2x - 3) is the factored form.

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 - 16

Back

(x - 4)(x + 4) is the factored form.