1. Not all Trinomials are Factorable
Factoring Trinomials
Not all Trinomials are Factorable
Trial and Error
Double Distributive Backwards or Un FOIL
Algebra Tiles
Area Rugs

2. So the factors of x2 + 6x + 6 can be either
Trial and Error
Factor x2 + 6x + 6
The factors of a trinomial are usually two binomials. So, list all the possible answers, multiply the binomials and see which one works!
So the factors of x2 + 6x + 6 can be either
( x + 6 )( x + 1 ) or ( x + 3 )( x + 2)
Caution!

3. Try : ( x + 1) (x – 15) or ( x + 1) (x – 15)
Trial and Error
Find the factors of
X2 - 2X - 15
Try : ( x + 1) (x – 15) or ( x + 1) (x – 15)
( x + 3 ) ( x – 5 ) or ( x – 5) ( x + 3 )

4. Double Distributive Backwards or Un FOIL
x2 – 4x – 12 x
x2 - 6x + 2x -12
x ( x – 6) + 2 ( x – 6)
( x + 2 ) ( x – 6 )

5. Algebra Tiles
Algebra Tiles
Homemade Version
Virtual Algebra Tiles

10. Area Rugs
Factor x2 + 8x + 15
+15 x x
+ 15x x2
+ 15
+1x +1

11. Area Rugs
Factor Y2 – 6Y – 16

12. Factor x2 + 6x + 6 x2 + 10x + 16 x2 + 18x + 32 x2 + 9x + 20