This document provides a step-by-step algorithm for factoring second degree trinomials in an organized manner. The algorithm involves multiplying the leading coefficient and constant term, finding factors that add to the coefficient of the linear term, rewriting the trinomial by replacing the linear term, grouping pairs of terms, factoring out the greatest common factor of each pair, factoring out the common binomial, and writing the fully factored trinomial. Following these steps takes much of the guesswork out of factoring trinomials.

1. Trinomial Factoring An organized approach to factoring 2 nd degree trinomials

2. Factoring Trinomials Use this algorithm (procedure) to take a lot of the guesswork out of factoring trinomials. To get the most out of this presentation, use pencil and paper and work through the instructions slowly and carefully. Keep in mind that this will not do the factoring for you. But it does give you a standard routine to use so that you can focus on the numbers.

3. Step 1 Multiply the leading coefficient and the constant term

4. Step 2 Find the two factors of 24 that add to the coefficient of the linear term

5. Step 3 Re-write the original trinomial and replace 10 x with 6 x + 4 x .

6. Step 4 Group the first and last pairs of terms

7. Step 5 Factor out the GCF of each pair of terms

8. Step 6 Factor out the common binomial

9. Step 7 Therefore

10. Try it. You’ll like it! That’s all folks!