Factoring trinomials

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

Back

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

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 GCF stand for?

Back

GCF stands for Greatest Common Factor, which is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers.

Front

How do you find the GCF of 16x^5 + 12x^4 - x^3?

Back

The GCF is x^3, as it is the highest power of x that divides all terms.

Front

What is the difference between a perfect square trinomial and a regular trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial can be expressed as the square of a binomial, while a regular trinomial cannot.

Front

Factor the trinomial x^2 + 8x + 16.

Back

(x + 4)(x + 4) or (x + 4)^2.

Front

What is the formula for factoring a difference of squares?

Back

The formula is a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b).

Front

How do you factor the expression 18x^3 + 81x - 27?

Back

First, find the GCF, which is 9. Then factor it out: 9(2x^3 + 9x - 3).

Front

What is the factored form of x^2 - 9?

Back

(x + 3)(x - 3), since it is a difference of squares.

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.