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Section 9.3 Deliberate Practice: Factoring Quadratic Polynomials

Algebra is a skill, which means it requires practice to become proficient. But it will take more than rote repetition to get there. Deliberate practice is the thoughtful repetition of a task. For each of these sections, you will be given a list of specific skills or ideas to focus on as you practice thinking through the problems.

Focus on these skills:

  • Write the original expression.

  • Visualize the grids, but try to do the calculations without drawing them.

  • Mentally state the "Multiply to" and "Add to" properties. You can write them out as scratch work, if necessary.

  • Present your work legibly.

Worksheet Worksheet

Instructions: Use the \(ac\) method to factor using a complete presentation.

1.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(x^2 + 2x - 15\text{.}\)

2.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(x^2 - 4x + 4\text{.}\)

3.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(x^2 + 7x + 12\text{.}\)

4.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(x^2 - 9\text{.}\)

5.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(x^2 + 8x + 16\text{.}\)

6.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(x^2 - x - 42\text{.}\)

7.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(2x^2 + 5x - 3\text{.}\)

8.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(3x^2 - 13x - 10\text{.}\)

9.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(2x^2 - 3x - 20\text{.}\)

10.

Use the \(ac\) method to factor \(4x^2 + 4x - 15\text{.}\)