key term - Trinomial

Definition

A trinomial is a polynomial with exactly three terms, usually written in the form $ax^2 + bx + c$ where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are constants. It is a specific type of polynomial that often appears in quadratic equations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A trinomial has exactly three terms.
2. The standard form of a quadratic trinomial is $ax^2 + bx + c$.
3. Factoring trinomials is a common method to solve quadratic equations.
4. The discriminant, $b^2 - 4ac$, can determine the nature of the roots for a trinomial equation.
5. Completing the square is another technique used to solve trinomials.

Review Questions

Related terms

Polynomial:

An algebraic expression consisting of one or more summed terms, each term including a variable raised to an integer power and multiplied by a coefficient.

Quadratic Equation:

An equation that can be written in the form $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$, where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are constants and $a \neq 0$.

Discriminant:

$b^2 - 4ac$; used to determine the nature of the roots of a quadratic equation.