Factoring a trinomial by factoring out common terms first

The video tutorial explains the process of factoring polynomials. It begins with identifying common terms in the polynomial and factoring them out. The instructor then verifies the factoring by multiplying the factors back together. The tutorial continues with factoring trinomials by finding two numbers that multiply to the constant term and add to the linear coefficient. The video emphasizes understanding the relationship between the terms and their coefficients to successfully factor the polynomial.

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial?

• Factor out common terms

• Identify the highest power of x

• Add a constant term

• Multiply all terms by 2

Which of the following is a common term that can be factored out from the polynomial in the video?

• 2x^2

• 3x^2

• 5x

• x^3

How can you verify that your factoring is correct?

• By subtracting the factors

• By multiplying the factors back together

• By adding the factors

• By dividing the factors

What are the two numbers that multiply to -20 and add to 1 in the trinomial discussed?

• -5 and 4

• -4 and 5

• 2 and -10

• 10 and -2

What is the final factored form of the polynomial discussed in the video?

• 2x(x - 4)(x + 5)

• x^2(x - 4)(x + 5)

• 2x^2(x - 4)(x + 5)

• 2x^2(x + 4)(x - 5)