Terms

• Standard form of a polynomial equation: ax² + bx + c = 0

• Factored form: (x + a)(x + b) = 0

• Factors: (x + a) & (x + b)

• Solutions, Roots, Zeros: x = -a, x = -b

• Zeros: the value of the factor when it crosses the x axis

• Binomial: a polynomial with only 2 terms (Examples: x² + x, x² + y², x² + 2)

Tips

• It's sometimes easier to go backwards and see what answers work vs solving the problem

To factor a quadratic and determine the factors, use either the method under “Process for Simple Factoring”, or use the quadratic formula. Sometimes it’s easier to use the quadratic formula when there’s a leading coefficient > 1 (ex: 2x² + 3x + 4)

• Always put the solution, root or zero back into the original equation to confirm result = 0.