About Factoring Trinomials Part 2:

When we factor a trinomial with a leading coefficient that is ≠ 1, we generally use two different techniques. We can use reverse FOIL. This method involves trial and error to find the right combination. Secondly, we can rewrite our trinomial as a four-term polynomial and use factoring by grouping.


Test Objectives
  • Demonstrate a general understanding of factoring a trinomial
  • Demonstrate the ability to factor a trinomial using reverse FOIL
  • Demonstrate the ability to factor a trinomial using factoring by grouping
Factoring Trinomials Part 2 Practice Test:

#1:

Instructions: Factor each.

a) $$3a^2 - 20a - 100$$


#2:

Instructions: Factor each.

a) $$15n^2 - 95n + 100$$


#3:

Instructions: Factor each.

a) $$18b^2 + 15b - 12$$


#4:

Instructions: Factor each.

a) $$8k^2 - 42k + 10$$


#5:

Instructions: Factor each.

a) $$54x^2 - 336xy + 72y^2$$


Written Solutions:

#1:

Solutions:

a) $$(3a + 10)(a - 10)$$


#2:

Solutions:

a) $$5(3n - 4)(n - 5)$$


#3:

Solutions:

a) $$3(2b - 1)(3b + 4)$$


#4:

Solutions:

a) $$2(4k - 1)(k - 5)$$


#5:

Solutions:

a) $$6(9x - 2y)(x - 6y)$$