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 standard form of a quadratic equation?

Back

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

Front

How do you identify the coefficients in a trinomial?

Back

In ax^2 + bx + c, 'a' is the coefficient of x^2, 'b' is the coefficient of x, and 'c' is the constant term.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

The first step is to identify the coefficients a, b, and c.

Front

What is the purpose of finding two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b?

Back

These two numbers help in splitting the middle term for easier factoring.

Front

Factor the trinomial: x^2 + 5x + 6

Back

(x + 2)(x + 3)

Front

Factor the trinomial: x^2 - 7x + 10

Back

(x - 2)(x - 5)

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a special case of factoring, expressed as a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b).

Front

How do you factor out the greatest common factor (GCF)?

Back

Identify the largest factor common to all terms and factor it out.