SOLUTION: what does it mean when a trinomial cannot be factored

Question 288968: what does it mean when a trinomial cannot be factored
Found 3 solutions by nyc_function, stanbon, Stickisaguy:
Answer by nyc_function(2741)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Factoring actually means to "divide out.". When you are asked to "factor" a polynomial expression, you are actually told to write the expression as a product of factors. Often you are asked to factor "relative to the integers." This means that your factors cannot include rational, irrational, or imaginary numbers.
Factoring the trinomial ax^2 + bx + c relative to the integers. Assume a = 1.
Using "educated guessing", find two integers whose product equals c and whose sum equals b. These integers are always factors of c. If this is not possible, the trinomial cannot be factored relative to the integers.
Form a product using two binomials containing the variable x and each of the integers found.

Answer by stanbon(75887)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
what does it mean when a trinomial cannot be factored
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It means the trinomial is prime.
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Cheers,
Stan H.
Answer by Stickisaguy(1)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It's a prime number.
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