FACTORING

PERFECT SQUARE
TRINOMIALS
 Perfect Square Trinomial
Perfect Square Trinomial is the result of
squaring a binomial. A perfect square trinomial
has first and last terms which are perfect squares
and the middle term is twice the product of the
first and last terms. That is,
(a + b) 2 = a 2 + 2ab + b 2
or (a − b) 2 = a 2 − 2ab + b 2
To factor the given trinomial,
1. Examine whether the first term and last term are perfect squares.
2. Look at the middle term. Check whether it is twice the product of the
square root of the first term and last term.
3. If conditions 1 and 2 were satisfied then, the expression is a perfect
square trinomial.
4. Factor completely the given trinomial following the pattern
a2 + 2ab + b2 = (a + b)2 or (a + b)(a + b).
Similarly, a2 − 2ab + b2 = (a − b)2 or (a − b)(a − b).

The steps given above are applicable for perfect square trinomial. If what
is to be factored is not a perfect square trinomial then other possible
techniques may be applied.
 Example 1: Factor n 2 + 16n + 64
Solution:
Step 1: Determine whether the first term and the last term are perfect squares.
First Term: n2 = n . n = (n)2
Last Term: 64 = 8 . 8 = (8)2 Both are perfect squares
Step 2: Determine whether the middle term is twice the product of the square
root of the first term and the last term.
16n = 2(n)(8)
Step 3: Since the conditions are satisfied then n2 + 16n + 64 is a perfect square
trinomial.
Step 4: Factor completely n2 + 16n + 64
n2 + 16n + 64 = (𝑛 + 8) 2 𝑜𝑟 (𝑛 + 8)(𝑛 + 8)
Example 1: Factor n 2 + 16n + 64
Factor 4x + 4x + 1.
2
 Example 2: Factor 4x2 + 4x + 1.
Solution:
Step 1: Determine whether the first term and the last term are perfect squares.
First Term: 4x2 = 2x ∙ 2x = 4x2
Last Term: 1 = 1 ∙ 1 = 1 2 Both are perfect squares
Step 2: Determine whether the middle term is twice the product of the square
root of the ` first term and the last term.
4x = 2(2x)(1)
Step 3: Since the conditions are satisfied then 4x2 + 4x + 1 is a perfect square
trinomial.
Step 4: Factor completely 4x2 + 4x + 1 you have,
4x2 + 4x + 1= (2x + 1)2 or (2x + 1)(2x + 1)
Factor x + 14xy + 49y
2 2
 Example 3: Factor x 2 + 14xy + 49y2
Solution:
Step 1: Determine whether the first term and the last term are perfect squares.
First Term: x 2 = x ∙ x = (x) 2
Last Term: 49y 2 = 7y ∙ 7y = (7y) 2 Both are perfect squares
Step 2: Determine whether the middle term is twice the product of the square
root of the first term and the last term.
14xy = 2(x)(7y)
Step 3: Since the conditions are satisfied then x 2 + 14xy + 49y2 is a perfect
square trinomial.
Step 4: Factor completely x 2 + 14xy + 49y2 you have,
x 2 + 14xy + 49y2= (x + 7y) 2 or (x + 7y)(x + 7y)
 Factor 3x2 − 18xy + 27y2
Solution:
At first glance, we can’t find the perfect square trinomial in it. But if we factor out its greatest
common monomial factor, like the following:
Step 1: Factor 3x2 − 18xy + 27y 2 by GCF. 3x2 − 18xy + 27y 2 = 3(x 2 − 6xy + 9y 2 )
Step 2: Determine whether the trinomial is a perfect square. The first term and the last term
should be perfect squares.
First Term: x 2 = x ∙ x = (x) 2
Last Term: 9y2 = 3y ∙ 3y = (3y) 2
Step 3: Determine whether the middle term is twice the product of the square root of the first
term and the last term.
−6xy = −2(x)(3y)
Step 4: Since the conditions are satisfied then x 2 − 6xy + 9y 2 is a perfect square trinomial.
Step 5: Factor completely 3x2 − 18xy + 27y 2 you have,
3x2 − 18xy + 27y 2 = 3(x − 3y) 2 or 3(x − 3y)(x − 3y)
Factor 75t + 30t + 3t
3
 Factor 75t3 + 30t + 3t
Solution:
Step 1: Factor 75t3 + 30t + 3t by GCF. 75t3 + 30t + 3t = 3t(25t2 + 10t + 1)
Step 2: Determine whether the trinomial is a perfect square. The first term and the
last term should be perfect squares.
First Term: 25t 2 = 5t ∙ 5t = (5t) 2
Last Term: 1 = 1 ∙ 1 = (1) 2
Step 3: Determine whether the middle term is twice the product of the square root of
the first term and the last term.
10t = 2(5t)(1)
Step 4: Since the conditions are satisfied then 25t2 + 10t + 1 is a perfect square
trinomial.
Step 5: Factor completely 75t3 + 30t + 3t you have,
75t3 + 30t + 3t = 3t(5t + 1)(5t + 1)
Factor 9𝑥 + 12𝑥𝑦 + 16𝑦
2 2
 Factor 9𝑥 + 12𝑥𝑦 + 16𝑦
2 2

Solution
Step 1: Determine whether the trinomial is a perfect square. The first
term and the last term should be perfect squares.
First Term: 9x2 = 3x ∙ 3x = (3x) 2
Last Term: 16𝑦 2 = 4𝑦 ∙ 4𝑦 = (4𝑦) 2
Step 2: Determine whether the middle term is twice the product of the
square root of the first term and the last term.
12xy ≠ 2(3x)(4y) , as 2(3x)(4y) = 24xy

This means that the trinomial is not a perfect square. Thus, you don’t
have to proceed to factoring.
Factor the following completely by writing each of
the perfect square trinomial as the square of a
binomial.

1. y 2 + 20y + 100
2. k 2 − 8k + 16
3. 16m2 + 48m + 36
4. 49b2 − 14b + 1
5. 3x2y − 24xy + 48y
FACTORING
GENERAL
TRINOMIALS
FOIL method
FOIL method is a method in multiplying
binomial to the other binomial. FOIL stands
for:
F - first terms
O – Outer terms
I – Inner terms
L – last terms
General trinomials can be classified into two (2)
ways:

1. Trinomial in the form ax2 + bx + c, where a

= 1; and
Ex: x2 + 5x + 6 x 2 + 2x − 15
2. Trinomial in the form of ax2 + bx + c, where a
≠ 1.
Ex: 4x2 − 7x + 12
Factoring general trinomial where a = 1
FOIL method is being applied in multiplying two binomials
having leading coefficients of 1.

Notice that the coefficient of the middle term is the sum of the last terms
of the two binomials and the third term is the product of the last terms
of the two binomials. If you are going to factor trinomials of the form
ax2 + bx + c, where a = 1, you will reverse the FOIL method.
( x + 2) ( xy - 8)
F = x2 y (x . xy)
O = - 8X ( x . -8)
I = 2xy (2. xy)
L = - 16 (2 . -8)
x2y - 8x + 2xy - 16
x2 – 6x - 16
( -2x - 3y) ( 4x + 2y)

F = (-2x)(4x) = -8x2 ++=+

O = (-2x)(2y) = -4xy -2 + (4) = +2
I = (-3y)(4x) = -12xy +2 + -4 = -2
L = (-3y)(2y) = -6y2

-8x2 – 4xy – 12xy – 6y2

-8x2 – 16xy – 6y2
Steps in factoring General Trinomial where a = 1
1. Find two factors with a product equal to the last term
(c) of the trinomial and a sum equal to the middle
term (b) of the trinomial.
2. Write the factored form of the trinomial following
the pattern:
(𝑥 ± 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟) (𝑥 ± 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟)

The sign in the last term of the binomial factors can be

minus signs, depending on the signs of b and c.
Example 1: Factor x 2 + 7x + 10
Step 1.

Find two factors with a product equal to the last term

(c) of the trinomial and a sum equal to the middle term
(b) of the trinomial.

Here, you are going to find two factors whose product

is 10 (last term) and whose sum is 7 (middle term).
Example 1: Factor x 2 + 7x + 10

Step 2:
Write the factored form of the trinomial following the
pattern (x+ first factor) (x+ second factor).
𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 10 = (𝐱 + 𝟐)(𝐱 + 𝟓)
Example 2:
Factor x + 2x − 15.
2
Example 2: Factor x2 + 2x − 15.
Solution:
Step 1:
Find two factors with a product equal to the last term (c) of the
trinomial and a sum equal to the middle term (b) of the trinomial.
Here, you are going to find two factors whose product is −15 (last
term) and whose sum is 2 (middle term). Since the product is
negative, the two numbers must have different signs. And since
the sum is positive, the bigger number (the number with greater
absolute value) must be positive.
Example 2: Factor x2 + 2x − 15.

Step 2:
Write the factored form of the trinomial following
the pattern (x+ first factor) (x+ second factor).
x2 + 2x − 15 = (𝐱 − 𝟑)(𝐱 + 𝟓)
Example 3:
Factor x − 5x − 24
2
 Example 3: Factor x2 − 5x − 24
Solution:
Step 1.
Find two factors with a product equal to the last term (c) of the
trinomial and a sum equal to the middle term (b) of the trinomial. This is
the correct combination. So, 2 and 5 are the factors. This is the correct
combination. So - 3 and 5 are the factors. 15
Here, you are going to find two factors whose product is −24 (last
term) and whose sum is −5 (middle term). Since the product is negative,
the two numbers must have different signs. And since the sum is also
negative, the bigger number (number with the greater absolute value) must
be negative.
Example 3: Factor x2 − 5x − 24

Step 2.
Write the factored of the trinomial following the
pattern (x+ first factor)(x+ second factor).
x 2 − 5x − 24 = (𝐱 + 𝟑)(𝐱 − 𝟖)
Factoring general trinomial where a ≠ 1.
Trinomials of these forms also have two binomial
factors in which you need to consider the ax 2 term (first
term of the trinomial), the bx term (second term of the
trinomial) and the c term (third term of the trinomial) in
getting the two binomial factors.

There are many ways of factoring this type of

trinomials. One of those is through trial and error.
Example 1: Factor 6𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 6 through trial and error.

Solution:
Example 1: Factor 6𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 6 through trial and error.

Solution:
Write all the possible factors using the values above and determine the
middle term which is −5x by getting the sum of the product of the outer
terms and the product of the inner terms in FOIL method.
Example 1: Factor 6𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 6 through trial and error.

With the factors above,

(3𝑥 + 2)(2𝑥 − 3)
has the sum of the product of the outer terms and the product
of the inner terms of −5𝑥,
thus making it as the factors of the trinomial 6 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 6.
Factoring using trial and error is a long process. Knowing
another way of factoring trinomials of 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 where a ≠
1 is very important and it is up to you which method you are
going to use.
Steps in factoring General Trinomial where a ≠1
1. Multiply the first term and the last term of the trinomial.
(ax2 )(c) = (ac)x 2 (ac) = constant
2. Get the possible factors of the product of the first term and
the last term of the trinomial in such a way that their sum is
equal to the second term of the trinomial.
Steps in factoring General Trinomial where a ≠1
3. Replace the middle term (bx) by the two factors.
ax2 + bx + c = ax2 + nx + mx + c
4. Group ax2 + nx + mx + c as follows,
(𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑛𝑥) + (𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐)
5. Factor out the greatest common monomial factor of each
group such that you can obtain the same binomial factor.
6. Combine the greatest common monomial factor of each
group and multiply it to same binomial factor obtained in step
5. The result serves as the factors of the trinomial.
 Example 1: Factor 6𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 6
Solution:
Step 1:
Multiply the first term and the last term. (6 𝑥 2 )(−6) = −36 𝑥 2
Step 2: Get the possible factors of the product of the first term
and the last term of the trinomial in such a way that the sum will
be equal to the second term of the trinomial. Here, the product is
−36x2 and the sum is −5x which is the middle term. Since the
product is negative, the two numbers must have different signs.
And since the sum is also negative, the bigger number (number
with the greater absolute value) must be negative.
 Example 1: Factor 6𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 6
Solution:

Step 3: Replace the middle term in such a way that

ax2 + bx + c = ax2 + nx + mx + c,
where nx and mx are the factors. Here, the factors are 4x and -9x
6 𝑥 2 − 5 𝑥 − 6 = 6 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 9 𝑥 − 6
 Example 1: Factor 6𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 6
Solution:
Step 4: Group ax2 + nx + mx + c in this pattern (ax2 + nx) + (mx + c). (6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥) − (9𝑥 + 6)
Note: Notice that the operation used in the second group was changed. This will happen if the
operation between the two groups is minus (-). Always do this if you encounter this case. In
this case -9x - 6 becomes 9x + 6.
Step 5: Factor out the greatest common monomial factor of each group such that you can
obtain the same binomial factor.
(6𝑥 2 + 4𝑥) = 2𝑥(3𝑥 + 2)
−(9𝑥 + 6) = −3(3x + 2)
2𝑥 and −3 are the GCF and 3x + 2 and 3x + 2 are the two same binomial factors.
Step 6: Combine the greatest common monomial factor of each group and multiply it to same
binomial factor obtained in step 5. The result serves as the factors of the trinomial.
(2𝑥 − 3)(3x + 2)
So, 6𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 6 = (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑)(𝟑𝐱 + 𝟐)
1.
Factor 3x + 17x + 10
2
 Factor 3x2 + 17x + 10
Solution:
Step 1: Multiply the first term and the last term. (3𝑥 2 )(10) = 30𝑥 2
Step 2: Get the possible factors of the product of the first term and the last
term of the trinomial in such a way that the sum will be equal to the
second term of the trinomial. Here, the product is 30x2 and the sum is 17x
which is the middle term. Since the product and the sum are positive, the
two factors should also be both positive.
Factor 3x2 + 17x + 10
Solution:
Step 3: Replace the middle term in such a way that
ax2 + bx + c = ax2 + nx + mx + c,
where nx and mx are the factors.
Here, the factors are 2x and 15x
3𝑥 2 + 17𝑥 + 10 = 3𝑥 2 + 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟏𝟓𝒙 + 10
Step 4:
Group ax2 + nx + mx + c in this pattern (ax2 + nx) + (mx + c).
(3x 2 + 2x) + (15x + 10)
 Factor 3x2 + 17x + 10
Solution:
Step 5: Factor out the greatest common monomial factor of each group such that you
can obtain the same binomial factor.
(3𝑥 2 + 2𝑥) = 𝑥(3𝑥 + 2)
This is the correct combination, so 2x and 15x are the two factors.
19 (15x + 10) = 5(3x + 2)
x and 5 are the GCF and (3x + 2) and (3x + 2) are the two same binomial factors.
Step 6: Combine the greatest common monomial factor of each group and multiply it
to same binomial factor obtained in step 5. The result serves as the factors of the
trinomial.
(𝑥 + 5)(3𝑥 + 2)
So, 3x2 + 17x + 10 = (𝐱 + 𝟓)(𝟑𝐱 + 𝟐)
2.
Factor 2𝑥 + 5𝑥 − 3.
2
 Factor 2𝑥2 + 5𝑥 − 3.
Solution:
Step 1: Multiply the first term and the last term.
(𝟐𝒙𝟐 )(−𝟑) = −𝟔𝒙𝟐
Step 2: Get the possible factors of the product of the first term and the last term of the
trinomial in such a way that their sum is equal to the second term of the trinomial.
Here, the product is -6x 2 and the sum is 5x which is the middle term.
Since the product is negative, the two factors must have different signs. And since the
sum is positive, the factor with bigger coefficient (the number with greater absolute
value) must be positive. Refer to the table below..
 Factor 2𝑥 + 5𝑥 − 3.
2
Solution:
Step 3: Replace the middle term in such a way that
ax2 + bx + c = ax2 + nx + mx + c,
where nx and mx are the factors. Here, the factors are −𝑥 and 6𝑥.
𝟐𝐱𝟐 + 𝟓𝐱 − 𝟑 = 𝟐𝐱𝟐 + 𝟔𝐱 + (−𝐱) − 𝟑
Step 4: Group ax2 + nx + mx + c in this pattern (ax2 + nx) + (mx + c).
(𝟐𝐱𝟐 + 𝟔𝐱) + [(−x) − 3]
Step 5: Factor out the greatest common monomial factor of each group such that you
can obtain the same binomial factor.
2x2 + 6x = 2x(x + 3)
(−x) − 3 = −1(x + 3)
2x and -1 are the GCF and (x + 3) and (x + 3) are the two the same binomial factors.
Factor 2𝑥 + 5𝑥 − 3.
2

Solution:
Step 6: Combine the greatest common monomial factor of each
group and multiply it to same binomial factor obtained in step 5.
The result serves as the factors of the trinomial.

(2x − 1)(x + 3)

So, 2x2 + 5x − 3 = (𝟐𝐱 − 𝟏)(𝐱 + 𝟑)

3.
Factor 3x − 17x + 10.
2
 Factor 3x2 − 17x + 10
Solution:
Step 1: Multiply the first term and the last term.
(3x2 )(10) = 30x2
Step 2: Get the possible factors of the product of the first term and the last term of the trinomial in such
a way that their sum is equal to the second term of the trinomial.
Here, the product is 30x2 and the sum is 17x which is the middle term.
Since the product is positive and the sum is negative, the two factors must have both negative signs.
Refer to the table below
Factor 3x − 17x + 10
2

Solution:
Step 3: Replace the middle term in such a way that
ax2 + bx + c = ax2 + nx + mx + c, where nx and mx are the factors.
Here, the factors are −2𝑥 and −15𝑥.
3x2 − 17x + 10 = 3x2 + (−2x) + (−15x) + 10 or = 3x2 − 2x − 15x + 10
Step 4: Group ax2 + nx + mx + c in this pattern (ax2 + nx) + (mx + c).
3x2 − 2x − 15x + 10 = (3x2 − 2x) − (15x − 10)
Note: Notice that the operation used in the second group was changed.
This will happen if the operation between the two groups is minus (−).
Always do this if you encounter this case.
In this case 15x + 10 becomes 15x – 10.
Factor 3x − 17x + 10
2

Solution:
Step 5: Factor out the greatest common monomial factor of each group
such that you can obtain the same binomial factor.
3x2 − 2x = x(3x − 2)
−(15𝑥 − 10) = −5(3𝑥 − 2)
x and -5 are the GCF and (3x - 2) and (3x - 2) are the two the same
binomial factors.
Step 6: Combine the greatest common monomial factor of each group and
multiply it to same binomial factor obtained in step 5. The result serves as
the factors of the trinomial.
(x − 5)(3x − 2)
So, 3x2 − 17x + 10 = (x − 5)(3x − 2)