Factoring Trinomials

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

Factoring a trinomial involves rewriting it as a product of two binomials.

Front

What is the general form of factoring a trinomial?

Back

The general form is (x + p)(x + q) where p and q are numbers that add to b and multiply to c.

Front

Factor the trinomial: x^2 + 7x - 30

Back

(x + 10)(x - 3)

Front

Factor the trinomial: n^2 + 5n - 6

Back

(n - 1)(n + 6)

Front

Factor the trinomial: a^2 - a - 12

Back

(a - 4)(a + 3)

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is a trinomial that can be expressed as the square of a binomial, e.g., (x - 2)^2 = x^2 - 4x + 4.

Front

Factor the trinomial: x^2 - 4x + 4

Back

(x - 2)^2

Front

What is the relationship between the coefficients and roots of a trinomial?

Back

The sum of the roots is equal to -b/a and the product of the roots is equal to c/a in the trinomial ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

Factor the trinomial: a^2 - a - 12

Back

(a - 4)(a + 3)