The instructions, "Identify a factor of this trinomial" means what? For Medal

A. Put an arrow on the paper that points to a factor that is common to the 3 terms.

B. After factoring a trinomial, list one of the factors.

C. Note which term has the most factors.

D. Count the number of factors that are possible in the trinomial.

Question

The instructions, "Identify a factor of this trinomial" means what? For Medal
 
   
A. Put an arrow on the paper that points to a factor that is common to the 3 terms.
 
   
B. After factoring a trinomial, list one of the factors.
 
   
C. Note which term has the most factors.
 
   
D. Count the number of factors that are possible in the trinomial.

anonymous · Answer

@DavidUsa

anonymous · Answer

@OrthodoxMan

anonymous · Answer

You should know what trinomials are to answer this

anonymous · Answer

can you help than @OrthodoxMan

anonymous · Answer

Do you know what trinomials are?

anonymous · Answer

@mathmale

mathmale · Answer

Howdy.  Thanks!   @cancherolugano:  Was an actual trinomial part of this problem?  Otherwise the whole question is just theory.

anonymous · Answer

its just a theory no question.

mathmale · Answer

Not every trinomial has " a factor that is common to the 3 terms," so I'm going to create one!  Hate to overrule you, but I do think there was a trinomial in the problem statement.

2x^2 - 4x -10

Can you say what the common factor is?  If so, say it, and then factor it out of this trinomial.

anonymous · Answer

Oh I just need the theory though because it doesn't ask me any questions.

mathmale · Answer

Beg pardon, but we're going to go thru this example first and then talk about the theory.  I think this will be the more helpful approach.

mathmale · Answer

the single (digit) factor common to all three terms of the trinomial 2x^2 - 4x -10 is ... ???

mathmale · Answer

What does "in common" mean?  do you and I possibly have anything "in common?"

mathmale · Answer

Until we're clear on that, it won't make any sense to talk about "common factor."

anonymous · Answer

It's fine mathmale thanks Ill jut figure it out because my assignment is due in 10 min online

anonymous · Answer

thank you so much

mathmale · Answer

it's always difficult to teach, or to learn, when one is under pressure.  I always emphasize understanding over just answers, so, unfortunately when you're trying to beat the clock, my approach isn't helpful.

mathmale · Answer

Hope to meet with you again under more relaxed circumstances.

mathmale · Answer

Thanks, David!

anonymous · Answer

Thank you and of course you seem like an expert in Math ;)