Today, we'll be focusing on the patterns that we see when we multiply binomials. We'll then use the pattern to reverse the process, which is called factoring. First, we need some common vocabulary. When you multiply binomials (also called binomial factors), we typically end up with a quadratic expression or equation (at least we do for this unit). This is the most common form:
Where "a" is the coefficient (number multiplied by) the x-squared (or x to the second power), "b" is the coefficient for x, and c is a constant (a number with no variable attached).