Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial with three terms, typically in the form ax² + 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 (px + q)(rx + s), where p, q, r, and s are constants.

Front

How do you identify the coefficients in a trinomial?

Back

In ax² + bx + c, 'a' is the coefficient of x², 'b' is the coefficient of x, and 'c' is the constant term.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

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 significance of the discriminant in factoring?

Back

The discriminant (b² - 4ac) helps determine the nature of the roots of the trinomial.

Tags

CCSS.HSA-REI.B.4B

Front

What does it mean if the discriminant is positive?

Back

If the discriminant is positive, the trinomial has two distinct real roots.

Tags

CCSS.HSA-REI.B.4B

Front

What does it mean if the discriminant is zero?

Back

If the discriminant is zero, the trinomial has exactly one real root (a repeated root).

Tags

CCSS.HSA-REI.B.4B

Front

What does it mean if the discriminant is negative?

Back

If the discriminant is negative, the trinomial has no real roots (the roots are complex).

Tags

CCSS.HSA-REI.B.4B

Front

How can you factor the trinomial 9x² - 6x - 8?

Back

It can be factored as (3x + 2)(3x - 4).