Factoring a > 1

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 does it mean when a quadratic expression has a leading coefficient greater than 1?

Back

It means that the coefficient of the highest degree term (x^2) is greater than 1, which can complicate the factoring process.

Front

Factor: 3x² + 2x - 5

Back

(3x + 5)(x - 1)

Front

Factor: 2x² + 9x + 4

Back

(2x + 1)(x + 4)

Front

Factor: 4h² - 17h + 4

Back

(h - 4)(4h - 1)

Front

Factor: 2x² - 3x - 2

Back

(2x + 1)(x - 2)

Front

Factor: 3a² + 4a + 1

Back

(3a + 1)(a + 1)

Front

What is the first step in factoring a quadratic expression?

Back

Identify the leading coefficient and check if the expression can be factored into two binomials.

Front

What is a binomial?

Back

A binomial is a polynomial that contains exactly two terms.

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 a polynomial.