How to factor a trinomial

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PSAT Math › How to factor a trinomial

Questions 1 - 3

1

Factor the following trinomial:

Explanation

To trinomial is in form

In order to factor, find two numbers whose procuct is , in this case , and whose sum is , in this case

Factors of :

Which of these pairs has a sum of ?

and

Therefore the factored form of is:

2

Factor the trinomial.

$x^{2}-5x-14$

Explanation

Our factors will need to have a product of , and a sum of , so our factors must be and .

3

Factor the following expression completely:

Explanation

We must begin by factoring out from each term.

Next, we must find two numbers that sum to and multiply to .

Thus, our final answer is:

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