Summary: Factoring Methods
Key Concepts
Factoring Trinomials in the form
To factor a trinomial in the form , find two integers, r and s, whose sum is b and whose product is ac.
Rewrite the trinomial as and then use grouping and the distributive property to factor the polynomial.
How to factor a trinomial in the form by grouping
- List factors of .
- Find and , a pair of factors of with a sum of .
- Rewrite the original expression as .
- Pull out the GCF of .
- Pull out the GCF of .
- Factor out the GCF of the expression.
Factoring Trinomials in the form
To factor a trinomial in the form , find two integers, r and s, whose product is c and whose sum is b.
Rewrite the trinomial as and then use grouping and the distributive property to factor the polynomial. The resulting factors will be and .
How to factor a trinomial in the form
- List factors of .
- Find and , a pair of factors of with a sum of .
- Write the factored expression .
Glossary
Prime trinomial - A trinomial that cannot be factored using integersContribute!
Did you have an idea for improving this content? We’d love your input.