Identify the remaining quadratic expression

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 11 views

Introduction

Factoring quadratic expressions is a fundamental concept in algebra that involves expressing a quadratic expression as a product of simpler expressions. In this article, we will focus on factoring the quadratic expression $3x^2 - 21$ completely. Factoring quadratic expressions is an essential skill in mathematics, and it has numerous applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, and economics.

What is Factoring?

Factoring is the process of expressing a quadratic expression as a product of two or more linear expressions. In other words, it involves breaking down a quadratic expression into simpler factors. Factoring is an essential concept in algebra, and it has numerous applications in various fields.

The Process of Factoring

The process of factoring involves several steps:

Identify the greatest common factor (GCF): The first step in factoring is to identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the quadratic expression. The GCF is the largest factor that divides each term of the quadratic expression.
Factor out the GCF: Once the GCF is identified, we can factor it out of the quadratic expression. This involves dividing each term of the quadratic expression by the GCF.
Identify the remaining quadratic expression: After factoring out the GCF, we are left with a quadratic expression that can be factored further.
Factor the remaining quadratic expression: The remaining quadratic expression can be factored using various factoring techniques, such as factoring by grouping or using the quadratic formula.

Factoring the Quadratic Expression $3x^2 - 21$

To factor the quadratic expression $3x^2 - 21$ , we need to identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the expression. The GCF of $3x^2$ and $-21$ is $3$ . Therefore, we can factor out the GCF as follows:

3x^2 - 21 = 3(x^2 - 7)

The expression $x^2 - 7$ is a difference of squares, which can be factored further as follows:

x^2 - 7 = (x + \sqrt{7})(x - \sqrt{7})

Therefore, the factored form of the quadratic expression $3x^2 - 21$ is:

3x^2 - 21 = 3(x + \sqrt{7})(x - \sqrt{7})

Conclusion

In conclusion, factoring quadratic expressions is an essential concept in algebra that involves expressing a quadratic expression as a product of simpler expressions. The process of factoring involves identifying the greatest common factor (GCF), factoring out the GCF, and factoring the remaining quadratic expression. In this article, we have factored the quadratic expression $3x^2 - 21$ completely, and we have shown that the factored form is $3(x + \sqrt{7})(x - \sqrt{7})$ .

Answer

The correct answer is:

B. $3(x + 7)(x - 7)$

Q: What is factoring, and why is it important?

A: Factoring is the process of expressing a quadratic expression as a product of simpler expressions. It is an essential concept in algebra that has numerous applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, and economics.

Q: What are the steps involved in factoring a quadratic expression?

A: The steps involved in factoring a quadratic expression are:

Identify the greatest common factor (GCF): The first step in factoring is to identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the quadratic expression.
Factor out the GCF: Once the GCF is identified, we can factor it out of the quadratic expression.
Identify the remaining quadratic expression: After factoring out the GCF, we are left with a quadratic expression that can be factored further.
Factor the remaining quadratic expression: The remaining quadratic expression can be factored using various factoring techniques, such as factoring by grouping or using the quadratic formula.

Q: How do I identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of a quadratic expression?

A: To identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of a quadratic expression, we need to find the largest factor that divides each term of the quadratic expression. We can do this by listing the factors of each term and finding the greatest common factor.

Q: What are some common factoring techniques used to factor quadratic expressions?

A: Some common factoring techniques used to factor quadratic expressions include:

Factoring by grouping: This involves grouping the terms of the quadratic expression into two groups and factoring out the greatest common factor from each group.
Using the quadratic formula: This involves using the quadratic formula to factor the quadratic expression.
Factoring by difference of squares: This involves factoring the quadratic expression as a difference of squares.

Q: How do I factor a quadratic expression that is a difference of squares?

A: To factor a quadratic expression that is a difference of squares, we can use the formula:

a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)

where $a$ and $b$ are the square roots of the terms of the quadratic expression.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when factoring quadratic expressions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when factoring quadratic expressions include:

Not identifying the greatest common factor (GCF): Failing to identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the quadratic expression can lead to incorrect factoring.
Not factoring out the GCF: Failing to factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) can lead to incorrect factoring.
Not using the correct factoring technique: Using the wrong factoring technique can lead to incorrect factoring.

Q: How do I check my work when factoring quadratic expressions?

A: To check your work when factoring quadratic expressions, you can multiply the factors together to see if you get the original quadratic expression. If you get the original quadratic expression, then your factoring is correct.

Conclusion

In conclusion, factoring quadratic expressions is an essential concept in algebra that involves expressing a quadratic expression as a product of simpler expressions. The process of factoring involves identifying the greatest common factor (GCF), factoring out the GCF, and factoring the remaining quadratic expression. By following the steps outlined in this article and avoiding common mistakes, you can become proficient in factoring quadratic expressions.