In Exercises 1–30, factor each trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime. Check each factorization using FOIL multiplication.x² − xy − 30y²
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Identify the trinomial: \(x^2 - xy - 30y^2\).
Look for two numbers that multiply to \(-30y^2\) and add to \(-y\).
The numbers are \(-6y\) and \(5y\) because \(-6y \times 5y = -30y^2\) and \(-6y + 5y = -y\).
Rewrite the middle term \(-xy\) using \(-6y\) and \(5y\): \(x^2 - 6xy + 5xy - 30y^2\).
Factor by grouping: \((x^2 - 6xy) + (5xy - 30y^2)\) and factor 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 equations and understanding the roots of the polynomial.
A trinomial is considered prime if it cannot be factored into the product of two binomials with rational coefficients. This occurs when the discriminant of the quadratic equation is negative or when no integer pairs satisfy the conditions for factoring. Recognizing prime trinomials is essential for determining the limits of factorization.
The FOIL method is a technique used to multiply two binomials, standing for First, Outside, Inside, Last, which refers to the order in which the terms are multiplied. This method helps verify the correctness of a factorization by ensuring that the product of the binomials returns to the original trinomial. Mastery of FOIL is crucial for confirming factorization results.