Factoring trinomials when a>1

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 trinomial?

Back

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

Front

What does 'a' represent in a trinomial ax^2 + bx + c?

Back

In the trinomial ax^2 + bx + c, 'a' represents the coefficient of the x^2 term.

Front

What is the slide-divide-slide method?

Back

The slide-divide-slide method is a technique used to factor trinomials where you first multiply 'a' and 'c', then divide by 'a' after finding the factors.

Front

How do you factor a trinomial when a > 1?

Back

To factor a trinomial when a > 1, use the slide-divide-slide method or look for two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b.

Front

What is the first step in the slide-divide-slide method?

Back

The first step is to slide, which means to multiply the 'a' and 'c' values.

Front

What do you do if you get a fraction in one of your binomials after dividing by 'a'?

Back

You slide the denominator up to become the coefficient of the variable.

Front

Factor the trinomial: 6k^2 - 19k - 7

Back

(3k + 1)(2k - 7)

Front

Factor completely: 5x^2 - 13x + 6

Back

(5x - 3)(x - 2)

Front

Factor: 3v^2 - 4v - 7

Back

(3v - 7)(v + 1)