Question

When can a quadratic (2nd degree) trinomial be factored by grouping?

Answer 1

Well here is a fancy little website o.o http://www.regentsprep.org/regents/math/algebra/av6/Lgrouping.htm

Answer 2

I would prefer it if I could get some hands-on help/answers.

Answer 3

What is required of the trinomial in order to be able to be factored by grouping

Answer 4

Well, in my mathematical career, it has just been a thing that you do. I don't really know if there's a difference between grouping and factoring.

Answer 5

I guess it just has to make sense. I mean, like if ac doesn't add up to b then it doesn't work.

Answer 6

It may help if i rephrase the question. This was part of a larger question. The entire question was : Explain how a four-term polynomial is factored by grouping and when a quadratic trinomial can be factored using this method. Include examples in your explanation

Answer 7

A four term polynomial as in: \[x^3+x^2+x+1\]
kind of thing?

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

Well you'd split it up into one group with x^2 in it and one with just x plus a number in it.

Answer 10

I don't think there really are any requirements, just that the discriminant is positive.