Trinomials: ax^2 + bx + c

This is the second form we come across with trinomials:

                    ax2 + bx + c

Multiply your a value with your c value
Use a t-chart to help you find the factor pairs of that number.
Find the factor pair that then adds up to your b term

Group like terms together and pull out the GCFs.  Then rearrange!

Example:    2x2 + 3x - 9

2*9 = 18

  Our middle term is +3, so we're going to pick the factor pair (-3, +6).

  
Now we write out the middle number so that it is expressed by the factor pair:
      2x2 + 6x - 3x - 9
Then we group the first and last two terms together:
   (2x2 + 6x)(-3x - 9)
And pull out the GCFs
2x(x + 3) -3 (x +3) -->  (x + 3)(2x - 3)

Voila.  Don't worry - there's a video attached.

Links:

Video - factoring ax^2 + bx + c
Extra Practice Problems