Learn how to factor a trinomial in your head using guess and check

The video tutorial explains how to factor a trinomial with a quadratic term X^2 and a coefficient of 1. It covers identifying factor pairs of the constant term, handling negative factors, and combining middle terms to find the correct coefficients. The tutorial concludes with writing the trinomial in its factored form using the distributive property.

What is the first step in factoring a trinomial with a quadratic term coefficient of 1?

• Identify the constant term

• Find the greatest common factor

• Set up the factors with 'X'

• Use the quadratic formula

When factoring a trinomial, why must one of the numbers be negative to achieve a product of -72?

• To ensure the sum is zero

• To simplify the trinomial

• To achieve a negative product

• To balance the equation

Which pair of numbers correctly multiplies to -72 and adds to the middle term of the trinomial?

• 18 and 4

• 12 and -6

• 9 and 8

• 36 and 2

What is the significance of combining the middle terms in the factorization process?

• To eliminate the constant term

• To simplify the equation

• To verify the factors

• To achieve the correct middle term

What is the final factorization of the trinomial discussed in the video?

• (X + 12)(X - 6)

• (X + 36)(X - 2)

• (X + 9)(X - 8)

• (X + 18)(X - 4)