Factoring quadratic expressions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 135 views

Introduction

Factoring polynomial expressions is a fundamental concept in algebra that helps us simplify complex expressions and solve equations. In this article, we will focus on factoring a quadratic polynomial expression of the form $x^2 - 18x + 81$ . We will explore the different methods of factoring and provide a step-by-step guide on how to factor this specific expression.

What is Factoring?

Factoring is the process of expressing a polynomial expression as a product of simpler expressions, called factors. These factors can be linear or quadratic expressions, and they can be combined in various ways to form the original polynomial expression.

Methods of Factoring

There are several methods of factoring polynomial expressions, including:

Factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF): This involves identifying the greatest common factor of all the terms in the expression and factoring it out.
Factoring by grouping: This involves grouping the terms in the expression into pairs and factoring out the common factors from each pair.
Factoring quadratic expressions: This involves factoring quadratic expressions of the form $ax^2 + bx + c$ into the product of two binomial expressions.

Factoring the Given Polynomial Expression

The given polynomial expression is $x^2 - 18x + 81$ . To factor this expression, we can use the method of factoring quadratic expressions.

Step 1: Identify the Coefficients

The first step in factoring a quadratic expression is to identify the coefficients of the terms. In this case, the coefficients are:

$a = 1$ (coefficient of $x^2$ )
$b = -18$ (coefficient of $x$ )
$c = 81$ (constant term)

Step 2: Find the Factors of the Constant Term

The next step is to find the factors of the constant term, which is 81. The factors of 81 are:

$1 \times 81$
$3 \times 27$
$9 \times 9$

Step 3: Find the Factors of the Coefficient of $x$

The next step is to find the factors of the coefficient of $x$ , which is -18. The factors of -18 are:

$1 \times -18$
$2 \times -9$
$3 \times -6$
$6 \times -3$
$9 \times -2$
$18 \times -1$

Step 4: Identify the Correct Factors

To factor the quadratic expression, we need to find the correct factors that multiply to the constant term and add to the coefficient of $x$ . In this case, the correct factors are:

$9 \times 9$

Step 5: Write the Factored Form

The factored form of the quadratic expression is:

x^2 - 18x + 81 = (x - 9)(x - 9)

Conclusion

In this article, we have factored the polynomial expression $x^2 - 18x + 81$ using the method of factoring quadratic expressions. We have identified the correct factors and written the factored form of the expression. The factored form is $(x - 9)(x - 9)$ .

Answer

The correct answer is:

D. $(x-9)(x-9)$

Discussion

This problem requires the student to factor a quadratic expression using the method of factoring quadratic expressions. The student needs to identify the correct factors and write the factored form of the expression. This problem helps the student to develop their problem-solving skills and to understand the concept of factoring polynomial expressions.

Practice Problems

Factor the polynomial expression $x^2 + 6x + 8$ .
Factor the polynomial expression $x^2 - 4x - 5$ .
Factor the polynomial expression $x^2 + 2x - 6$ .

References

[1] "Algebra" by Michael Artin
[2] "Calculus" by Michael Spivak
[3] "Linear Algebra" by Jim Hefferon
Q&A: Factoring Polynomial Expressions =============================================

Introduction

Factoring polynomial expressions is a fundamental concept in algebra that helps us simplify complex expressions and solve equations. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to help students understand the concept of factoring polynomial expressions and to provide additional practice problems.

Q1: What is factoring?

A1: Factoring is the process of expressing a polynomial expression as a product of simpler expressions, called factors. These factors can be linear or quadratic expressions, and they can be combined in various ways to form the original polynomial expression.

Q2: What are the different methods of factoring?

A2: There are several methods of factoring polynomial expressions, including:

Factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF): This involves identifying the greatest common factor of all the terms in the expression and factoring it out.
Factoring by grouping: This involves grouping the terms in the expression into pairs and factoring out the common factors from each pair.
Factoring quadratic expressions: This involves factoring quadratic expressions of the form $ax^2 + bx + c$ into the product of two binomial expressions.

Q3: How do I factor a quadratic expression?

A3: To factor a quadratic expression, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the coefficients of the terms in the expression.
Find the factors of the constant term.
Find the factors of the coefficient of $x$ .
Identify the correct factors that multiply to the constant term and add to the coefficient of $x$ .
Write the factored form of the expression.

Q4: What is the difference between factoring and simplifying?

A4: Factoring and simplifying are two different concepts in algebra. Factoring involves expressing a polynomial expression as a product of simpler expressions, while simplifying involves combining like terms to form a simpler expression.

Q5: Can you provide some examples of factoring polynomial expressions?

A5: Yes, here are some examples of factoring polynomial expressions:

$x^2 + 6x + 8 = (x + 4)(x + 2)$
$x^2 - 4x - 5 = (x - 5)(x + 1)$
$x^2 + 2x - 6 = (x + 3)(x - 2)$

Q6: How do I know which method of factoring to use?

A6: The method of factoring to use depends on the type of expression you are factoring. For example, if you are factoring a quadratic expression, you can use the method of factoring quadratic expressions. If you are factoring a polynomial expression with a greatest common factor, you can use the method of factoring out the greatest common factor.

Q7: Can you provide some practice problems for factoring polynomial expressions?

A7: Yes, here are some practice problems for factoring polynomial expressions:

Factor the polynomial expression $x^2 + 6x + 8$ .
Factor the polynomial expression $x^2 - 4x - 5$ .
Factor the polynomial expression $x^2 + 2x - 6$ .

Conclusion

In this article, we have provided a Q&A section to help students understand the concept of factoring polynomial expressions and to provide additional practice problems. We hope that this article has been helpful in providing a better understanding of factoring polynomial expressions.

Answer Key

Q1: Factoring is the process of expressing a polynomial expression as a product of simpler expressions, called factors.
Q2: There are several methods of factoring polynomial expressions, including factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF), factoring by grouping, and factoring quadratic expressions.
Q3: To factor a quadratic expression, you need to follow these steps: identify the coefficients of the terms in the expression, find the factors of the constant term, find the factors of the coefficient of $x$ , identify the correct factors that multiply to the constant term and add to the coefficient of $x$ , and write the factored form of the expression.
Q4: Factoring and simplifying are two different concepts in algebra. Factoring involves expressing a polynomial expression as a product of simpler expressions, while simplifying involves combining like terms to form a simpler expression.
Q5: Yes, here are some examples of factoring polynomial expressions: $x^2 + 6x + 8 = (x + 4)(x + 2)$ , $x^2 - 4x - 5 = (x - 5)(x + 1)$ , and $x^2 + 2x - 6 = (x + 3)(x - 2)$ .
Q6: The method of factoring to use depends on the type of expression you are factoring.
Q7: Yes, here are some practice problems for factoring polynomial expressions: factor the polynomial expression $x^2 + 6x + 8$ , factor the polynomial expression $x^2 - 4x - 5$ , and factor the polynomial expression $x^2 + 2x - 6$ .

References

[1] "Algebra" by Michael Artin
[2] "Calculus" by Michael Spivak
[3] "Linear Algebra" by Jim Hefferon