The X-box FactorFactoring Trinomials

X-Box

PRODUCT

SUM

X-BOX factoring

• This is a guaranteed method for factoring quadratic equations – no guessing necessary!

• Background Knowledge needed:• Dividing a polynomial by a monomial

using the box method (we did this last lesson)

Factor the X-Box WayExample: factor 862 xx

(1)(8)=

6

8

2 42x

8

2x

4x

x

x 2

4

Answer: (x + 2) (x + 4)

Factor the X-Box Way

(1)(8)=

6

8

2 4

product of theFirst and LastCoefficient

The middle term

2x

8

2x

4x

x

x 2

4

First Term

Last Term

Side of your X

Side of your X

16102 xx

122 xx

1872 xx

24112 xx

232 cc

48132 nn

1582 aa

Homework

• Worksheet: F:\2nd semester\Algebra 1\chapter 9\13.5 (2).pdf