Factoring Trinomials

Front

What is factoring in algebra?

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.

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What is a trinomial?

Back

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

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What does GCF stand for in mathematics?

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

Front

How do you find the GCF of two terms?

Back

To find the GCF, identify the common factors of the terms and choose the largest one.

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(x - 12)(x - 4)

Front

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial?

Back

The first step is to identify the coefficients of the terms and look for two numbers that multiply to the constant term and add to the linear coefficient.

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(x - 12)(x - 3)

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What is the significance of the leading coefficient in a trinomial?

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The leading coefficient affects the shape and direction of the parabola represented by the trinomial when graphed.

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7a(3a^2 + 3a + 2)

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What is the relationship between the roots of a trinomial and its factors?

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The roots of a trinomial are the values of x that make the trinomial equal to zero, and they correspond to the values that make each factor equal to zero.