How Do You Factor a Polynomial Using the A-C Method?

How Do You Factor a Polynomial Using the A-C Method?

Note:

Factoring trinomials can by tricky, but this tutorial can help! See how to use the A-C method to factor a trinomial into the product of two binomials. Then, use the FOIL method to multiply the two binomial back together to check your answer.

Keywords:

  • problem
  • trinomial
  • factor
  • a-c method
  • standard form
  • polynomial
  • strategy
  • factoring
  • binomial
  • factor to binomials
  • a times c
  • prime factor
  • sum of factors
  • product of factors
  • quadratic

Background Tutorials

  • Identify parts of an expression using mathematical terms (sum, term, product, factor, quotient, coefficient); view one or more parts of an expression as a single entity.

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      What's a Coefficient?

      There is a bunch of vocabulary that you just need to know when it comes to algebra, and coefficient is one of the key words that you have to feel 100% comfortable with. Check out the tutorial and let us know if you want to learn more about coefficients!

      • What's a Term?What's a Term?

      What's a Term?

      Polynomials are those expressions that have variables raised to all sorts of powers and multiplied by all types of numbers. When you work with polynomials you need to know a bit of vocabulary, and one of the words you need to feel comfortable with is 'term'. So check out this tutorial, where you'll learn exactly what a 'term' in a polynomial is all about.

  • Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.

      • What are Like Terms?What are Like Terms?

      What are Like Terms?

      Combining like terms together is a key part of simplifying mathematical expressions, so check out this tutorial to see how you can easily pick out like terms from an expression

  • Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.

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      What's a Factor?

      Factors are a fundamental part of algebra, so it would be a great idea to know all about them. This tutorial can help! Take a look!

  • Understand that polynomials form a system analogous to the integers, namely, they are closed under the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication; add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.

      • What is a Polynomial?What is a Polynomial?

      What is a Polynomial?

      If you learn about algebra, then you'll see polynomials everywhere! In this tutorial, you'll learn the definition of a polynomial and see some of the common names for certain polynomials.

      • What's FOIL?What's FOIL?

      What's FOIL?

      The FOIL method. No, not aluminum foil! The FOIL method stands for First, Outer, Inner, and Last. It's a popular way multiply two binomials together. This tutorial makes the FOIL method a breeze!