PSAT Math : How to factor a trinomial

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Math

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Trinomials

Factor the following expression completely:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We must begin by factoring out from each term.

Next, we must find two numbers that sum to and multiply to .

Thus, our final answer is:

Example Question #2 : Trinomials

Factor the following trinomial:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To trinomial is in  form

In order to factor, find two numbers whose procuct is , in this case , and whose sum is , in this case

Factors of :

Which of these pairs has a sum of ?

and

Therefore the factored form of is:

Example Question #41 : Variables

Factor the trinomial.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Our factors will need to have a product of , and a sum of , so our factors must be  and .

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors