CHAPTER 7
SECTION 7.3
Factoring Polynomials
MINI LESSON
Factoring Quadratic Polynomials
Factoring rewrites a polynomial as a product of simpler expressions.
For a trinomial like \(x^2 + bx + c\), look for two numbers that multiply to \(c\) and add to \(b\).
A correct factorization can be checked by multiplying the factors back together.
Factoring is useful for solving equations and simplifying expressions.
Question 1
What is the correct factorization of \(x^2 + 4x - 12\)?
Answer Key
Factoring Polynomials
- 1.D. \((x - 2)(x + 6)\)