In Exercises 45–68, use the method of your choice to factor each trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime. Check each factorization using FOIL multiplication.2x² + 9x + 7
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Step 1: Identify the trinomial in the form ax^2 + bx + c. Here, a = 2, b = 9, and c = 7.
Step 2: Look for two numbers that multiply to a*c (2*7 = 14) and add to b (9).
Step 3: The numbers 2 and 7 multiply to 14 and add to 9.
Step 4: Rewrite the middle term (9x) using the numbers found: 2x^2 + 2x + 7x + 7.
Step 5: Factor by grouping: (2x^2 + 2x) + (7x + 7) and factor out the common factors from each group.
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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 quadratic expression in the form ax² + bx + c as a product of two binomials. The goal is to find two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b. This process simplifies solving quadratic equations and is essential for understanding polynomial behavior.
The FOIL method is a technique used to multiply two binomials, standing for First, Outside, Inside, Last. It ensures that all terms are accounted for in the multiplication process. After factoring a trinomial, using FOIL helps verify the accuracy of the factorization by reconstructing the original trinomial.
A prime trinomial is a quadratic expression that cannot be factored into simpler binomials with rational coefficients. Recognizing a trinomial as prime is crucial when factoring, as it indicates that no integer solutions exist for the factorization. Understanding this concept helps in determining the limits of factorization techniques.