Factoring Polynomials and Techniques

The video tutorial explains how to factor a polynomial, specifically a trinomial, using the AC method. It begins by checking for a greatest common factor (GCF) and then proceeds to use the AC method when the leading coefficient is not 1. The tutorial details how to identify factors that multiply to a specific product and add to a specific sum. It then demonstrates factoring by grouping, where the polynomial is rewritten to facilitate grouping terms. Finally, the tutorial shows how to verify the factorization by using the distributive property.

What is the first step in factoring a polynomial?

• Identify the greatest common factor (GCF)

• Use the quadratic formula

• Perform polynomial division

• Apply the distributive property

What is a trinomial?

• A polynomial with three terms

• A polynomial with one term

• A polynomial with four terms

• A polynomial with two terms

When using the AC method, what do you multiply together?

• The coefficients of the middle term

• The constant terms

• The exponents of the polynomial

• The coefficients of the first and last terms

What is the purpose of the AC method?

• To find the roots of the polynomial

• To simplify the polynomial

• To factor trinomials with a leading coefficient not equal to 1

• To graph the polynomial

What does the AC method help to identify?

• The leading coefficient

• The degree of the polynomial

• Factors that multiply to a specific product and add to a specific sum

• The roots of the polynomial

What is the first step in the AC method?

• Multiply the coefficients of the first and last terms

• Identify the GCF

• Solve the polynomial equation

• Rewrite the polynomial

What is the result of multiplying the coefficients in the AC method?

• The leading coefficient

• The degree of the polynomial

• The solution to the polynomial

• A product used to identify factors

How do you handle negative numbers when identifying factors?

• Use only positive factors

• Make all factors negative

• Ignore them completely

• Convert them to positive numbers

What is the goal when identifying factors of a number?

• To find factors that are prime numbers

• To find the largest factor

• To find factors that multiply to a specific product and add to a specific sum

• To find the smallest factor

What is the purpose of identifying factors in the AC method?

• To rewrite the polynomial

• To find the degree of the polynomial

• To solve the polynomial equation

• To graph the polynomial