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Factoring Trinomials Guide

This document explains how to factor trinomials, which are polynomials with three terms in the form ax² + bx + c. It outlines two cases for factoring: when a = 1 and when a ≠ 1, detailing the steps involved in each case, including the AC method for the latter. Additionally, it highlights special trinomial patterns and common mistakes to avoid during the factoring process.

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Tricia Quinta Zamora
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12 views2 pages

Factoring Trinomials Guide

This document explains how to factor trinomials, which are polynomials with three terms in the form ax² + bx + c. It outlines two cases for factoring: when a = 1 and when a ≠ 1, detailing the steps involved in each case, including the AC method for the latter. Additionally, it highlights special trinomial patterns and common mistakes to avoid during the factoring process.

Uploaded by

Tricia Quinta Zamora
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Factoring Trinomials – Explanation and

Rules
What is a Trinomial?
A trinomial is a polynomial with three terms, usually in the form:
ax² + bx + c

Where:
- a, b, and c are constants,
- x is a variable,
-a≠0

Goal: Factoring the Trinomial


Factoring means rewriting the trinomial as the product of two binomials:
ax² + bx + c = (dx + e)(fx + g)

Rules and Process

Case 1: When a = 1
Example:
x² + 7x + 10

Steps:

1. Find two numbers that multiply to c (last term) and add to b (middle term).
- Multiply: m × n = c
- Add: m + n = b

2. Use the numbers to factor:


x² + 7x + 10 = (x + 2)(x + 5)

Case 2: When a ≠ 1
Example:
2x² + 7x + 3

Steps (AC Method):

1. Multiply a × c = 2 × 3 = 6
2. Find two numbers that multiply to 6 and add to 7 → (6 and 1)
3. Rewrite the middle term:
2x² + 6x + x + 3
4. Factor by grouping:
(2x² + 6x) + (x + 3) = 2x(x + 3) + 1(x + 3)
5. Final factor:
= (2x + 1)(x + 3)

Special Trinomial Patterns

1. Perfect Square Trinomials


x² + 6x + 9 = (x + 3)²

Where:
-6=2×3
- 9 = 3²

2. Difference of Squares
x² - 9 = (x - 3)(x + 3)

Note: This is not a trinomial, but it is a common factoring pattern.

Common Mistakes to Avoid


- Not checking your factors by multiplying.
- Sign errors when adding/multiplying.
- Forgetting to group when a ≠ 1.

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