Algebra 1 Factoring Trinomials, Please Help!

Question

1. Factor the trinomial 2x² + 11x + 12. Show your work.
2. Factor the trinomial x² − 5x − 14. Show your work.

Answer 1

1. 2x² + 11x + 12 = (2x² + 3x) + (8x + 12) = x(2x + 3) + 4(2x + 3) = (2x + 3)(x + 4); 2·12 = 3·8, 3 + 8 = 11
2. x² - 5x - 14 = (x² - 7x) + (2x - 14) = x(x - 7) + 2(x - 7) = (x - 7)(x + 2) ; - 14 = - 7·2, - 7 + 2 = - 5

Answer 2