Selecting the Correct Factors

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 31 views

Introduction

In algebra, a polynomial is an expression consisting of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Factoring a polynomial involves expressing it as a product of simpler polynomials, known as factors. In this article, we will explore how to select the correct factors of a given polynomial.

Understanding the Problem

The given polynomial is $3x^2 + 24xy - 60y^2$ . We are asked to select all the answers that are factors of this polynomial. To do this, we need to factorize the polynomial and identify its factors.

Factoring the Polynomial

To factorize the polynomial, we can start by looking for common factors. In this case, we can factor out a common factor of 3 from the first two terms:

3x^2 + 24xy - 60y^2 = 3(x^2 + 8xy) - 60y^2

Next, we can look for a common factor in the second term. We can factor out a common factor of $-10y$ :

3(x^2 + 8xy) - 60y^2 = 3(x^2 + 8xy) - 10y(6y)

Now, we can see that the first term can be factored as a perfect square:

3(x^2 + 8xy) - 10y(6y) = 3(x + 4y)^2 - 10y(6y)

However, we can simplify this further by factoring out a common factor of $-10y$ :

3(x + 4y)^2 - 10y(6y) = 3(x + 4y)^2 - 60y^2

Identifying the Factors

Now that we have factored the polynomial, we can identify its factors. The factors of the polynomial are:

3(x + 4y)^2 - 60y^2 = 3(x + 4y - 2\sqrt{15}y)(x + 4y + 2\sqrt{15}y)

However, we can simplify this further by factoring out a common factor of 3:

3(x + 4y - 2\sqrt{15}y)(x + 4y + 2\sqrt{15}y) = 3(x + 4y - 2\sqrt{15}y)(x + 4y + 2\sqrt{15}y)

Selecting the Correct Factors

Now that we have identified the factors of the polynomial, we can select the correct answers. The correct answers are:

A. $x + 10y$ : This is not a factor of the polynomial.
B. $x - 10y$ : This is not a factor of the polynomial.
C. 3: This is a factor of the polynomial.
D. $3x$ : This is not a factor of the polynomial.
E. $x - 2y$ : This is not a factor of the polynomial.
F. $x + 2y$ : This is not a factor of the polynomial.
G.: This is not a factor of the polynomial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct factors of the polynomial $3x^2 + 24xy - 60y^2$ are $3(x + 4y - 2\sqrt{15}y)(x + 4y + 2\sqrt{15}y)$ . The correct answers are C. 3.

Final Answer

Q: What is a polynomial?

A polynomial is an expression consisting of variables and coefficients combined using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Q: What is factoring a polynomial?

Factoring a polynomial involves expressing it as a product of simpler polynomials, known as factors.

Q: How do I factor a polynomial?

To factor a polynomial, you can start by looking for common factors. You can also use techniques such as grouping, synthetic division, and the quadratic formula to factor polynomials.

Q: What are the common factors of a polynomial?

The common factors of a polynomial are the factors that are common to all the terms of the polynomial.

Q: How do I identify the factors of a polynomial?

To identify the factors of a polynomial, you can use techniques such as factoring by grouping, synthetic division, and the quadratic formula.

Q: What are the different types of factors of a polynomial?

The different types of factors of a polynomial are:

Linear factors: These are factors of the form (x - a) or (x + a), where a is a constant.
Quadratic factors: These are factors of the form (x^2 + bx + c), where b and c are constants.
Cubic factors: These are factors of the form (x^3 + bx^2 + cx + d), where b, c, and d are constants.

Q: How do I select the correct factors of a polynomial?

To select the correct factors of a polynomial, you need to identify the factors of the polynomial and then select the correct ones based on the given options.

Q: What are the common mistakes to avoid when factoring a polynomial?

Some common mistakes to avoid when factoring a polynomial include:

Not looking for common factors: Make sure to look for common factors in all the terms of the polynomial.
Not using the correct techniques: Use the correct techniques such as factoring by grouping, synthetic division, and the quadratic formula to factor polynomials.
Not checking the factors: Make sure to check the factors of the polynomial to ensure that they are correct.

Q: How do I practice factoring polynomials?

To practice factoring polynomials, you can try the following:

Start with simple polynomials: Begin with simple polynomials and gradually move on to more complex ones.
Use online resources: Use online resources such as worksheets, quizzes, and practice tests to practice factoring polynomials.
Get help from a teacher or tutor: If you are struggling with factoring polynomials, get help from a teacher or tutor.

Q: What are the benefits of factoring polynomials?

The benefits of factoring polynomials include:

Simplifying complex expressions: Factoring polynomials can help simplify complex expressions and make them easier to work with.
Identifying patterns: Factoring polynomials can help identify patterns and relationships between variables.
Solving equations: Factoring polynomials can help solve equations and inequalities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, factoring polynomials is an important concept in algebra that can help simplify complex expressions and identify patterns and relationships between variables. By understanding the different types of factors of a polynomial and how to select the correct factors, you can become proficient in factoring polynomials and apply this skill to solve equations and inequalities.