Factoring Trinomials
Factoring trinomials is the opposite of distributing or using the FOIL method. We factor to find out what products will multiply to give us the trinomial. There are several ways of factoring. The first way is to check for a GFC (greatest common factor).
If the videos below are not working, you need to download the Adobe Flash player.
If the videos below are not working, you need to download the Adobe Flash player.
Once you have checked to see if there is a GCF, the next step is to "un-FOIL" or see if there are two binomials that multiply together to give the trinomials.
Sometimes you will need to use both methods.
There are special cases, such as the difference of two squares.
There are other forms people use for factoring such as The Key Method and Grouping. Here is an explanation of these methods: http://www.sheboygan.uwc.edu/developmental-math/baw/thirteen/lesson13.htm. There are many methods, so find the one that works for you. This website has a good listing of methods: http://personal.jccmi.edu/JohnstoAnitaM/MTH120online/Topics/
MOD2/Factoring/factoring.htm.
If you are still having trouble, here is an online lesson in factoring trinomials: http://www.montereyinstitute.org/courses/Algebra%20IB/course%20files/multimedia/lesson24/lessonp.html. It requires Macromedia Flash, and you can find a link to the download on this home page.
Here are some problems worked out: http://fp.academic.venturacollege.edu/rbrunner/hints_7.2.htm.
Sometimes you will need to factor before you simplify an algebraic expression. This website will explain how to do this: http://www.studentle.com/how-to-simplify-rational-expressions-in-algebra-3465/. Note his explanation of how to reach the Indian religious concept of "Nirvana" and how you can reach mathematical Nirvana.
PRACTICE
Try some problems:
ASSESS
Take the quiz: http://www.thatquiz.org/tq/practicetest?6zbvlfz1162.
MOD2/Factoring/factoring.htm.
If you are still having trouble, here is an online lesson in factoring trinomials: http://www.montereyinstitute.org/courses/Algebra%20IB/course%20files/multimedia/lesson24/lessonp.html. It requires Macromedia Flash, and you can find a link to the download on this home page.
Here are some problems worked out: http://fp.academic.venturacollege.edu/rbrunner/hints_7.2.htm.
Sometimes you will need to factor before you simplify an algebraic expression. This website will explain how to do this: http://www.studentle.com/how-to-simplify-rational-expressions-in-algebra-3465/. Note his explanation of how to reach the Indian religious concept of "Nirvana" and how you can reach mathematical Nirvana.
PRACTICE
Try some problems:
- http://www.studyzone.org/mtestprep/math8/g/8factortrinomquiz.cfm
- http://regentsprep.org/Regents/math/algtrig/ATV1/RevFactPractice.htm
- http://www.coolmath.com/crunchers/algebra-problems-factoring-trinomials-1.htm
ASSESS
Take the quiz: http://www.thatquiz.org/tq/practicetest?6zbvlfz1162.