Factoring Review

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, called factors.

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

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

Front

How do you factor a trinomial of the form x^2 + bx + c?

Back

To factor a trinomial of this form, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b.

Front

What is the GCF (Greatest Common Factor)?

Back

The GCF is the largest positive integer that divides all the given numbers without leaving a remainder.

Front

How do you find the GCF of two numbers?

Back

To find the GCF, list the factors of each number and identify the largest factor they have in common.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern: a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor the trinomial: k^2 - 2k - 24.

Back

(k + 4)(k - 6)

Front

What is the factored form of x^2 + 12x + 36?

Back

(x + 6)(x + 6) or (x + 6)^2.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables raised to whole number powers and coefficients.

Front

What does it mean to factor by grouping?

Back

Factoring by grouping involves rearranging and grouping terms in a polynomial to factor it into simpler expressions.