Factorising a Trinomial (Grade 12 NSC Matric Mathematics): Flashcards

Polynomial expression with exactly three terms

$ax^2 + bx + c$ where $a$, $b$, $c$ are constants, $a \neq 0$

Breaking it down as product of two binomial expressions

Factorisation is the inverse operation of expanding brackets

Multiply coefficient of $x^2$ term by constant term

Find 2 numbers: multiply to product, add to middle coefficient

Rewrite middle term by splitting it using the two numbers

Group into two pairs and factorise each pair

Factor out the common bracket

Expand the brackets to check you get original trinomial