Factoring Trinomials

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 it mean to factor a trinomial?

Back

To factor a trinomial means to express it as a product of two binomials.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

The standard form of a quadratic equation is ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What is the GCF (Greatest Common Factor)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers or terms.

Front

How do you factor out the GCF from an expression?

Back

To factor out the GCF, divide each term of the expression by the GCF and write it outside of parentheses.

Front

What is the process to factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + bx + c?

Back

To factor, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b, then express the trinomial as (x + m)(x + n), where m and n are those two numbers.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring case where a^2 - b^2 can be factored as (a + b)(a - b).

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.

Front

How do you check if your factoring is correct?

Back

To check, multiply the factors back together to see if you obtain the original expression.