Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
0. Review of Algebra
Factoring Polynomials
Problem 49e
Textbook Question
Factor each trinomial, if possible. See Examples 3 and 4. 24a^4+10a^3b-4a^2b^2
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1
Step 1: Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms in the trinomial. In this case, the GCF is \(2a^2\).
Step 2: Factor out the GCF from each term in the trinomial, resulting in \(2a^2(12a^2 + 5ab - 2b^2)\).
Step 3: Focus on factoring the quadratic trinomial \(12a^2 + 5ab - 2b^2\). Look for two numbers that multiply to \(12 \times -2 = -24\) and add to \(5\).
Step 4: The numbers that satisfy these conditions are \(8\) and \(-3\). Rewrite the middle term \(5ab\) as \(8ab - 3ab\).
Step 5: Group the terms into two pairs: \((12a^2 + 8ab) + (-3ab - 2b^2)\), and factor by grouping.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factoring Trinomials
Factoring trinomials involves rewriting a polynomial expression as a product of simpler polynomials. This process often requires identifying common factors or applying techniques such as grouping or using the quadratic formula. Understanding how to factor trinomials is essential for simplifying expressions and solving equations in algebra.
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Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
The greatest common factor (GCF) is the largest factor that divides all terms in a polynomial. Identifying the GCF is a crucial first step in factoring, as it allows for simplification of the expression before further factoring. For the trinomial given, finding the GCF can help reduce the polynomial to a more manageable form.
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Polynomial Degree
The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the expression. In the trinomial 24a^4 + 10a^3b - 4a^2b^2, the degree is determined by the term with the highest exponent, which is 4 in this case. Understanding the degree helps in predicting the behavior of the polynomial and is important for applying appropriate factoring techniques.
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