Solve each polynomial equation in Exercises 1–10 by factoring and then using the zero-product principle.
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
- Appendix 1. Review of Real Numbers2h 24m
- Appendix 2. Linear Equations and Inequalities3h 42m
- OLD 9. Sequences, Induction, and Probability Coming soon
- 1. - OLD - Fundamental Concepts of Algebra Coming soon
- 2. - OLD - Equations and Inequalities Coming soon
- OLD 4. Rational Functions Coming soon
- OLD 2. Functions & Graphs Coming soon
- OLD 6. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Coming soon
- OLD 7. Systems of Equations and Inequalities Coming soon
- OLD 8. Matrices and Determinants Coming soon
- OLD 9. Conic Sections Coming soon
0. Review of Algebra
Factoring Polynomials
Problem 32
Textbook Question
In Exercises 17–38, factor each trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime. 9x2+5x−4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the trinomial: \(9x^2 + 5x - 4\). The goal is to factor it into the form \((ax + b)(cx + d)\), where \(a\), \(b\), \(c\), and \(d\) are constants.
Multiply the leading coefficient (\(9\)) by the constant term (\(-4\)). This gives \(9 \times -4 = -36\). Now, find two numbers that multiply to \(-36\) and add to the middle coefficient \(5\).
The two numbers that satisfy these conditions are \(9\) and \(-4\), because \(9 \times -4 = -36\) and \(9 + (-4) = 5\). Rewrite the middle term \(5x\) as \(9x - 4x\). The trinomial becomes \(9x^2 + 9x - 4x - 4\).
Group the terms into two pairs: \((9x^2 + 9x) - (4x + 4)\). Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from each group. From \(9x^2 + 9x\), the GCF is \(9x\), and from \(-4x - 4\), the GCF is \(-4\). This gives \(9x(x + 1) - 4(x + 1)\).
Notice that \(x + 1\) is a common factor. Factor it out to get \((9x - 4)(x + 1)\). Thus, the trinomial \(9x^2 + 5x - 4\) factors as \((9x - 4)(x + 1)\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factoring Trinomials
Factoring trinomials involves rewriting a quadratic expression in the form ax^2 + bx + c as a product of two binomials. This process requires identifying two numbers that multiply to ac (the product of a and c) and add to b. Understanding this concept is crucial for simplifying expressions and solving equations.
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Prime Trinomials
A trinomial is considered prime if it cannot be factored into the product of two binomials with rational coefficients. Recognizing prime trinomials is essential in factoring, as it helps determine when an expression cannot be simplified further. This concept is important for accurately classifying quadratic expressions.
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The Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula, x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / (2a), provides a method for finding the roots of a quadratic equation. While not directly related to factoring, it can be used to determine if a trinomial can be factored by checking the discriminant (b² - 4ac). If the discriminant is positive, the trinomial can be factored into real numbers.
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