Factoring a>1

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into a product of simpler expressions, called factors.

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 when a > 1?

Back

It means to express the trinomial as a product of two binomials, where the leading coefficient (a) is greater than 1.

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

Identify the coefficients a, b, and c in the trinomial ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

How do you find two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b?

Back

Look for two integers that, when multiplied together, equal the product of a and c, and when added together, equal b.

Front

What is the significance of the leading coefficient in factoring?

Back

The leading coefficient affects the way we group terms and find factors, especially when it is greater than 1.

Front

Factor the trinomial: 2n^2 + 7n + 3

Back

(2n + 1)(n + 3)

Front

Factor the trinomial: 3p^2 - 8p - 3

Back

(3p + 1)(p - 3)

Front

What is the difference between factoring and expanding?

Back

Factoring is breaking down an expression into products, while expanding is multiplying out the factors to get the original expression.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial with two terms, typically in the form ax + b.