Factoring Polynomials - Practice and Review

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, or factors, that when multiplied together give the original expression.

Front

What is the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers share. It is used to simplify expressions and to factor polynomials.

Front

What is the method of 'Factoring by Grouping'?

Back

Factoring by Grouping involves rearranging and grouping terms in a polynomial to factor out common factors from each group.

Front

What is a Trinomial?

Back

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

Front

What is the Difference of Squares?

Back

The Difference of Squares is a factoring technique used for expressions in the form a² - b², which factors into (a + b)(a - b).

Front

How do you factor the polynomial 5n³ - 10n² + 3n - 6?

Back

Use the method of Factoring by Grouping to get (5n² + 3)(n - 2).

Front

What is the factored form of x² - 36?

Back

The factored form is (x + 6)(x - 6), which is an example of the Difference of Squares.

Front

What is the first step in factoring polynomials?

Back

The first step is to look for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) among the terms of the polynomial.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to factor completely?

Back

Factoring completely means breaking down a polynomial into its simplest factors, such that no further factoring is possible.