Factoring

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 factor?

Back

A factor is a number or expression that divides another number or expression evenly, without leaving a remainder.

Front

What is the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)?

Back

The GCF is the largest factor that two or more numbers or expressions share.

Front

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

Back

To factor, find two numbers that multiply to c and add to b, then express as (x + m)(x + n).

Front

What is the difference of squares?

Back

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

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 9.

Back

(x + 3)(x - 3) - This is an example of the difference of squares.

Front

What does it mean to factor completely?

Back

Factoring completely means breaking down an expression into its simplest factors, with no further factoring possible.

Front

How do you factor the expression k² - 2k - 24?

Back

(k + 4)(k - 6) - Find two numbers that multiply to -24 and add to -2.

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is an expression of the form a² ± 2ab + b², which factors to (a ± b)².

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 6x + 9.

Back

(x - 3)² - This is a perfect square trinomial.