Factoring Trinomials Part 2 - Split the Middle (a>1)

Topics for Today:

We expanded our discussion today to include factoring polynomials where the leading coefficient is not 1.  We used the product-sum game to work with factors so we could "split the middle" of the equation, and then factor by grouping.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

9-6: Factoring Trinomials of the type ax² + bx + c (where a ≠ 1)

       (pages 486-489)

Resources & Tutorials:

1) Factor a trinomial using A-C method
    (This is a different method from what was introduced in class.)
2) Factor a trinomial with a > 1
    (This method is more like what was introduced in class.)

3) Factoring Using the Box Method
    (This is yet another method - used in many high school Alg II classes)

Factoring Trinomials Part 1

Topics for Today:

Our discussion about factoring moved to factoring trinomials today.  We played a game called the "Product-Sum" game where we analyzed a set of two numbers to see what factors create both a product and a sum.  We then related this game to how we factor trinomials.  We will always be looking to create a product (answer to a multiplication problem) and a sum (answer to an addition problem) at the same time.  Notice the coefficient that precedes the first term is one.  We'll address scenarios where the leading coefficient is NOT one in a future lesson.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

9-5: Factoring Trinomials of the type ax² + bx + c (where a=1)
       (pages 481-485)

Resources & Tutorials:

1) How do you factor a trinomial?
2) How to factor quadratic equations.

Factoring Trinomials Part 2 - March 11th

Topics for Today:

We expanded our discussion today to include factoring polynomials where the leading coefficient is not 1.  We used the product-sum game to work with factors so we could "split the middle" of the equation, and then factor by grouping.

Sections Covered in Textbook:

9-6: Factoring Trinomials of the type ax² + bx + c (where a ≠ 1)

       (pages 486-489)

Resources & Tutorials:

1) Factor a trinomial using A-C method
    (This is a different method from what was introduced in class.)
2) Factor a trinomial with a > 1
    (This method is more like what was introduced in class.)

Assignments:

Factoring Trinomials Part 2 Worksheet