Factoring Quadratics

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 quadratic expression?

Back

A quadratic expression is a polynomial of degree 2, typically in the form ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants.

Front

What are the factors of x² - 1?

Back

(x - 1)(x + 1)

Front

How do you factor a quadratic expression in the form x² + bx + c?

Back

Look for two numbers that multiply to c and add to b, then express the quadratic as (x + m)(x + n) where m and n are those numbers.

Front

What is the zero product property?

Back

If the product of two factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero.

Front

Factor the expression: x² + 5x + 6

Back

(x + 2)(x + 3)

Front

What is the first step in factoring a quadratic expression?

Back

Identify the coefficients a, b, and c in the expression ax² + bx + c.

Front

Factor the expression: 2x² + 8x

Back

2x(x + 4)

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special factoring pattern where a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b).

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 4x + 4

Back

(x - 2)(x - 2) or (x - 2)²