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) 3a2 - 20a - 100


#2:

Instructions: Factor each.

a) 15n2 - 95n + 100


#3:

Instructions: Factor each.

a) 18b2 + 15b - 12


#4:

Instructions: Factor each.

a) 8k2 - 42k + 10


#5:

Instructions: Factor each.

a) 54x2 - 336xy + 72y2


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)