Looking for a Common Factor

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 120 views

Introduction

Factoring a trinomial 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 trinomial completely using any method, with a special emphasis on looking for a common factor first. We will also explore the concept of prime polynomials and how to identify them.

Understanding Trinomials

A trinomial is a quadratic expression that consists of three terms. It can be written in the form:

ax^2 + bx + c

where a, b, and c are constants, and x is the variable. In the given problem, we have a trinomial in the form:

-2a^2 - 14a + 120

Looking for a Common Factor

The first step in factoring a trinomial is to look for a common factor. A common factor is a term that divides each term of the trinomial evenly. In this case, we can see that -2 is a common factor of each term:

-2a^2 = -2 * a^2 -14a = -2 * 7a 120 = -2 * (-60)

Therefore, we can factor out -2 from each term:

-2(a^2 + 7a - 60)

Factoring the Quadratic Expression

Now that we have factored out the common factor, we are left with a quadratic expression inside the parentheses:

a^2 + 7a - 60

This quadratic expression can be factored further using the method of factoring by grouping. We can group the first two terms together and the last two terms together:

a^2 + 7a = a(a + 7) -60 = -12 * 5

Now, we can see that the first group, a(a + 7), has a common factor of a, and the second group, -12 * 5, has a common factor of -12. Therefore, we can factor out a and -12 from each group:

Q: What is a trinomial?

A: A trinomial is a quadratic expression that consists of three terms. It can be written in the form:

ax^2 + bx + c

where a, b, and c are constants, and x is the variable.

Q: How do I factor a trinomial?

A: To factor a trinomial, you need to look for a common factor first. If there is no common factor, you can try factoring by grouping or using the method of factoring by splitting the middle term.

Q: What is factoring by grouping?

A: Factoring by grouping is a method of factoring a trinomial by grouping the first two terms together and the last two terms together. You can then look for a common factor in each group.

Q: What is factoring by splitting the middle term?

A: Factoring by splitting the middle term is a method of factoring a trinomial by splitting the middle term into two terms that have a common factor. You can then factor out the common factor from each term.

Q: How do I know if a polynomial is prime?

A: A polynomial is prime if it cannot be factored into simpler expressions. In other words, it is a polynomial that cannot be broken down into smaller factors.

Q: What is the difference between a prime polynomial and a non-prime polynomial?

A: A prime polynomial is a polynomial that cannot be factored into simpler expressions, while a non-prime polynomial is a polynomial that can be factored into simpler expressions.

Q: How do I determine if a polynomial is prime or non-prime?

A: To determine if a polynomial is prime or non-prime, you need to try to factor it. If you cannot factor it, then it is prime. If you can factor it, then it is non-prime.

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

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when factoring trinomials include:

Not looking for a common factor first
Not using the correct method of factoring (e.g. factoring by grouping or factoring by splitting the middle term)
Not checking if the polynomial is prime or non-prime

Q: How can I practice factoring trinomials?

A: You can practice factoring trinomials by working through examples and exercises. You can also use online resources or math software to help you practice.

Q: What are some real-world applications of factoring trinomials?

A: Factoring trinomials has many real-world applications, including:

Solving quadratic equations
Finding the roots of a quadratic equation
Graphing quadratic functions
Solving systems of equations

Q: How can I use factoring trinomials to solve real-world problems?

A: You can use factoring trinomials to solve real-world problems by applying the concepts and techniques you have learned to solve quadratic equations, find the roots of a quadratic equation, graph quadratic functions, and solve systems of equations.

Q: What are some common types of trinomials?

A: Some common types of trinomials include:

Quadratic trinomials (e.g. ax^2 + bx + c)
Cubic trinomials (e.g. ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d)
Quartic trinomials (e.g. ax^4 + bx^3 + cx^2 + dx + e)

Q: How can I factor different types of trinomials?

A: You can factor different types of trinomials by using the appropriate method of factoring. For example, you can use factoring by grouping for quadratic trinomials, factoring by splitting the middle term for cubic trinomials, and factoring by using the quadratic formula for quartic trinomials.