Factoring Trinomials

Mathematics — Second Preparatory

Common mistakes

Choosing two numbers whose product is right but whose sum is wrong. For x² − 5x + 6, the answer is (x − 2)(x − 3), not (x + 2)(x + 3).
Ignoring the sign of the constant term. The expression x² + x − 6 factors as (x + 3)(x − 2), not (x + 3)(x + 2).
Not taking out a common factor first, which leaves the trinomial incomplete.
Not checking the answer by multiplying back.

Factoring Trinomials · 5 / 6