Factoring Polynomials & Trinomials

Front

What is factoring in mathematics?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, or factors, that when multiplied together give the original expression.

Front

What is a polynomial?

Back

A polynomial is a mathematical expression that consists of variables, coefficients, and non-negative integer exponents, combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Front

What is a trinomial?

Back

A trinomial is a polynomial that consists of three terms, typically in the form of ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

How do you factor the trinomial x^2 + 9x - 36?

Back

The factors are (x + 12)(x - 3).

Front

What does it mean if a polynomial is prime?

Back

A polynomial is considered prime if it cannot be factored into simpler polynomials with integer coefficients.

Front

How do you factor the expression x^2 + 25?

Back

The expression is prime and cannot be factored.

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

The difference of squares is a factoring method used for expressions in the form a^2 - b^2, which can be factored as (a + b)(a - b).

Front

How do you factor the expression x^2 - 16x + 48?

Back

The factors are (x - 12)(x - 4).

Front

What is the standard form of a polynomial?

Back

The standard form of a polynomial is when the terms are arranged in descending order of their exponents.

Front

How do you write the polynomial 10x^2 + 2x^3 - 4 - x in standard form?

Back

The standard form is 2x^3 + 10x^2 - x - 4.