This week in math 10 we talked about the different ways of factoring polynomials. One thing that I learned this week was how to factor simple trinomials.

When factoring a simple trinomial there will always be a pattern in the equation ( + bx + c ). In order to factor the trinomial you need to find two integers that when multiplied together will be of equal value with c and when added together will be of equal value of b, in other words you list the multiples of the constant that represents c and pick the integers from those numbers. If there are no two set of integers that make this possible then the equation can’t be factored. You must also be sure to check whether the product is a positive or negative number as well as the sign in front of he sum since it will effect if the integers are positive or negative.

Example:

However, if the  has a coefficient greater than one the equation is no longer simple. In that case you need to check and see if the terms have a GCF that they can be divided by, if not then you just have to factor them out. In this case there is a GCF that the terms can be divided by. After dividing the terms by the GCF, you write the quotient inside brackets and the GCF as a coefficient outside of the brackets. Lastly, you factor as normally would factor a trinomial.

Example: