Part 1:
In your own words, explain how a trinomial of the form 2x2 + 13x + 15 can be turned into a four term polynomial suitable for factoring by grouping. Use complete sentences.

Part 2:
If you were an Algebra 1 instructor and were creating a test on factoring trinomials of the form ax2 + bx + c, what do you think would be the easiest way to create a trinomial that can be factored? Provide one unique example.

Question

Part 1:
In your own words, explain how a trinomial of the form 2x2 + 13x + 15 can be turned into a four term polynomial suitable for factoring by grouping. Use complete sentences.

Part 2: 
If you were an Algebra 1 instructor and were creating a test on factoring trinomials of the form ax2 + bx + c, what do you think would be the easiest way to create a trinomial that can be factored? Provide one unique example.

valpey · Answer

If you can explain how FOIL works to develop trinomials from two binomials multiplied together, you can explain in reverse how factoring can be done. The key is that with FOIL you sum together the O and the I, right? Similarly, with factoring, you will be interested in splitting the second term of the trinomial into two parts which can be grouped to deduce the components of the factors.