Chapter 6: Problem 34
For the following problems, factor the trinomials when possible. $$ 3 a^{2}+24 a+36 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The factored form of the trinomial $$3a^2 + 24a + 36$$ is $$3(a + 2)(a + 6)$$.
Step by step solution
01
Look for common factors
First, check if all the terms have a common factor that can be factored out. In our trinomial, $$3a^2 + 24a + 36$$, the common factor is 3.
02
Factor out the common factor
We will factor out the common factor (3) from the trinomial. So, we have:
$$
3(a^2 + 8a + 12)
$$
03
Factoring the quadratic expression
Now, we will factor the quadratic expression \((a^2 + 8a + 12)\) using the FOIL method. We need to find two binomials that when multiplied give us the quadratic expression \((a^2 + 8a + 12)\).
To do this, we will find two numbers that multiply to give 12 (the constant term) and add up to 8 (the coefficient of the linear term). The numbers 2 and 6 fit this criteria.
04
Write the factored form
As we have found the necessary factors, we can now write the factored form of the trinomial. We have:
$$
3(a^2 + 8a + 12) = 3(a + 2)(a + 6)
$$
The trinomial $$3a^2 + 24a + 36$$ can be factored as $$3(a + 2)(a + 6)$$.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Factors in Trinomials
When you're faced with factoring a trinomial, the first thing to check is whether the terms share a common factor. Finding common factors simplifies the expression, making the rest of the factoring process easier. In the trinomial given, \(3a^2 + 24a + 36\), each term can be divided by 3. Here’s the process:
- Look at each term: \(3a^2\), \(24a\), and \(36\).
- Ask what number multiplies into all these coefficients.
- Here, 3 is the greatest common factor (GCF).
- Factor 3 out of each term to simplify the trinomial to \(3(a^2 + 8a + 12)\).
Understanding Quadratic Expressions
A quadratic expression typically takes the form \(ax^2 + bx + c\), and its highest degree is the square of the variable. In our factored expression, \(a^2 + 8a + 12\), we have:
- \(a^2\) - The term with the highest power (the quadratic term).
- \(8a\) - The linear term.
- \(12\) - The constant term.
Breaking Down Binomials
A binomial is an algebraic expression with two terms, like \((a + 2)\) or \((a + 6)\). In our problem, we needed to factor the quadratic expression into two binomials. This involves finding two numbers
- that multiply to the constant term (12)
- and also add up to the coefficient of the linear term (8)
Using the FOIL Method for Verification
The FOIL method is a handy tool for multiplying two binomials. It stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last, signifying the order in which you multiply the terms:
- First: Multiply the first terms in each binomial. For \((a + 2)(a + 6)\), that's \(a \cdot a = a^2\).
- Outside: Multiply the outer terms: \(a \cdot 6 = 6a\).
- Inside: Multiply the inner terms: \(2 \cdot a = 2a\).
- Last: Multiply the last terms in each binomial: \(2 \cdot 6 = 12\).