SEC. 9-5: Factoring Trinomials of Type: x2 + bx + c
***You need to find factors of 12 that add to 7. (3 and 4 work) The strategy to factoring these types of problems is often called sit & stare. You need to find FACTORS of the constant term so that they add to the LINEAR term. i.e. X2 + 7x + 12 ***You need to find factors of 12 that add to 7. (3 and 4 work) (x + 3)(x + 4)
Try: y2 - y - 6 You need factors of -6 that add to -1. -3 & 2 work so Try: y2 - y - 6 You need factors of -6 that add to -1... -3 & 2 work so... (y - 3)(y + 2) Do: c2 + 6x + 9 Unfortunately, the only way to get good at these is by practicing!