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Factor each trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime. Check each factorization using FOIL multiplication. $$r^{2}-15 r-16$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The factorization of the trinomial \( r^{2}-15r-16 \) is \((r - 16)(r + 1)\).

Step by step solution

01

Identify Factors

The general form of a trinomial is \(ax^{2} + bx + c\). In this case, \(a=1\), \(b=-15\), and \(c=-16\). We search for two numbers that multiply to \(ac = -16\), and add up to \(b = -15\). Those numbers are -16 and 1, because \( -16 * 1 = -16 \) and \( -16 + 1 = -15 \).
02

Factor the Trinomial

According to the identified factors, the trinomial can be factored. The expression becomes: \((r - 16)(r + 1)\), where \(r - 16\) and \(r + 1\) are the factors of the given trinomial.
03

Check the Factorization

Use the FOIL method to check if the result from Step 2 is correct. Multiply the first terms: \( r * r = r^{2} \). Multiply the outside terms: \( r * 1 = r \). Multiply the inside terms: \( -16 * r = -16r \). Multiply the last terms: \( -16 * 1 = -16 \). Add these together: \( r^{2} + r - 16r - 16 = r^{2} - 15r - 16\). This is the original trinomial, so the factorization is correct.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

FOIL Method
The FOIL Method is a handy tool for multiplying binomials. The acronym stands for First, Outside, Inside, Last, which are the pairs of terms you'll multiply together:
  • First: Multiply the first terms of each binomial.
  • Outside: Multiply the outer terms of the two binomials.
  • Inside: Multiply the inner terms.
  • Last: Multiply the last terms in each binomial.
This method simplifies the multiplication process and ensures that no terms are omitted. For instance, when we multiplied \((r - 16)(r + 1)\) using FOIL, it confirmed our factorization was correct because it returned us to the original trinomial \\(r^2 - 15r - 16\). Thus, learning the FOIL method is crucial for verifying polynomial factorization.
Polynomial Factorization
Polynomial Factorization is the process of breaking down a polynomial into simpler components, called factors, that, when multiplied, return the original polynomial. For trinomials like \(r^2 - 15r - 16\), it involves identifying two binomials that multiply to give the original trinomial. Key steps in the process include:
  • Identifying the coefficients \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) in the general trinomial form \(ax^2 + bx + c\).
  • Finding two numbers that multiply to \(ac\) and add up to \(b\).
  • Using these numbers to split the middle term \(b\) and factor by grouping if necessary.
Once factored, you can verify your result using the FOIL method, ensuring a complete, correct solution.
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic Expressions include numbers, variables, and operators. They form the building blocks of algebra and offer a way to represent mathematical concepts. For example, the expression \(r^2 - 15r - 16\) is an algebraic expression that includes variables \(r\), coefficients \(-15\) and \(-16\), and an exponent on \(r\). Understanding these components is crucial:
  • Variables are symbols like \(r\) that stand in for unknown values.
  • Coefficients are numbers that multiply the variables. In \(-15r\), \(-15\) is the coefficient.
  • Constants are numbers on their own, in this case, \(-16\).
Recognizing these components helps in manipulating and solving equations, making polynomial factorization possible. Mastering algebraic expressions sets a strong foundation for further mathematical learning.

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