Last class, we saw that we could factor trinomials that had no leading coefficient (they look like

.  Often, trinomials may have a leading coefficient and look like: .

When you are presented with any factoring problem, you should always look for the greatest common factor (GCF) first.  Sometimes, it will change your trinomial to something that could be more easily factored.  Other times, you will be left with a leading coefficient, and another method of factoring needs to be considered.

Things you should know after today:

• Always look for a GCF first when factoring
• Factoring trinomials
  \[ax^2 + bx + c\]
  by decomposition
• Determine when a trinomial can be factored

Resources

• Notes

Assignment

• Worksheets
• 5.3 Extra Practice from your notes booklet
• p234 #2, 3, 6, 7, 8b, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19