Question

Factor each trinomial. Then match the polynomial (term) on the left with its factored form (definition) on the right.

1. x2 – 4x – 12

2. x2 + 4x – 12

3. x2 – x – 12

4. x2 – 7x – 12



A) (x – 4)(x + 3)

B) Prime

C) (x – 6)(x + 2)

D) (x – 2)(x + 6)

Answer 1

1. C) (x – 6)(x + 2)

2. D) (x – 2)(x + 6)

3. A (x – 4)(x + 3)

4.Prime, cannot be factored

Explanation:

1. x² – 4x – 12

C) (x – 6)(x + 2)

If you multiply (x – 6) by (x + 2) you get x² +2x -6x - 12 = x² -4x -12

2. x² + 4x – 12

D) (x – 2)(x + 6)

If you multiply (x – 2) by (x + 6), you get x² +6x -2x -12 = x² + 4x -12

3. x² – x – 12

A. (x – 4)(x + 3)

If you multiply (x – 4) by (x + 3) you get x² +3x -4x – 12 = x² - x - 12

4. x² – 7x – 12

Prime, since it cannot be factored.