Factoring when a=1

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 the difference of squares formula?

Back

The difference of squares formula states that a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 144.

Back

(x + 12)(x - 12) - This is an example of the difference of squares.

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 2x - 15.

Back

(x - 5)(x + 3) - This is a quadratic trinomial.

Front

What is a quadratic trinomial?

Back

A quadratic trinomial is a polynomial of the form ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 9.

Back

(x + 3)(x - 3) - This is another example of the difference of squares.

Front

What is the standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

The standard form is ax² + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0.

Front

Factor the expression: 121x² - 49.

Back

(11x + 7)(11x - 7) - This is also a difference of squares.

Front

What does it mean to factor completely?

Back

To factor completely means to break down an expression into its simplest factors, which cannot be factored further.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a quadratic expression?

Back

The first step is to look for two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b.