Algebra 1 : How to factor a trinomial

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra 1

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Variables

Factor the following trinomial:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To factor the trinomial, its general form given by , we must find factors of the product  that when added together give us 

For our trinomial,  and . The two factors that fit the above rule are  and , because  and .

Using the two factors, we can rewrite the term  as a sum of the two factors added together and multiplied by x:

Now, we must factor by grouping, which means we group the first two terms, and the last two terms, and factor them:

Note that after we factored the two groups of terms, what remained inside the parentheses is identical for the two groups.

Simplifying further, we get

, which is our final answer. 

Example Question #21 : How To Factor A Trinomial

Which of the following is a perfect square trinomial?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

A perfect square trinomial takes the form

,

where

Since , for  to be a perfect square, 

.

This makes the correct choice.

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