Question

Is there a way to quickly tell if a trinomial is factorable or not without trying out different ways

For example: 25p^2+60pq+144q^2

This is not factorable but how can I conform quickly?

Answer 1

if the discriminant of 25p^2+60p+144 is not a positive perfect square, then it cannot be factored

Answer 2

You are right, I forgot about checking the discriminant.


Thanks =)

Answer 3

you're welcome