1. (Reverse FOIL)

2.   Factoring trinomials is one of the most important concepts in mathematics (and one of my favorite things to do)!  Think of factoring as taking a puzzle apart.  There are some very simple rules:  There is only one way to get x 2 x * x  The sign on the third term helps determine the signs of each factor.  The sign of the second term tells you the sign of the largest factor. Factoring

3.   x 2 + 8x + 15 (x )(x ) (x + )(x + ) 3 * 5 = 15 and 3 + 5 = 8 (x + 3)(x + 5) *Check you answer using FOIL! Factoring 1.How do you get x 2 ? 2.The sign on 15 is positive so both factors must be the same. 3.What can I multiply to get 15 and add to get 8? If the 3 rd term is positive, the signs are the same. If the 3 rd term is negative, the signs are different.

4.   Try again. x 2 + 9x – 10 (x + 10)(x – 1)  Try this one: x 2 + 7x + 12 (x + 3)(x + 4) Factoring Remember, if the 3 rd term is negative the signs are different!! The largest factor has to be positive because the 2 nd term is positive.

5.   See if you can do these. Check your answers with the person sitting next to you. 1. x 2 – 4x + 42. x 2 – 11x – 26 3. x 2 + 21x + 1084. x 2 + 5x – 14 5. x 2 – 11x + 246. x 2 + 2x - 15 Factoring

6.   How did you do??  1. (x – 2)(x – 2)2. (x – 13)(x + 2)  3. (x + 9)(x + 12)4. (x – 2)(x + 7)  5. (x – 8)(x – 3)6. (x – 3)(x + 5) Factoring

7.   Just remember the simple rules.  Don’t get stressed out.  This is fun!!  Practice makes perfect in factoring!  Come see me for tutorials if you need help!! Factoring