Problem 21

Question

Factor each trinomial, or state that the trinomial is prime. Check each factorization using FOIL multiplication. $$x^{2}+4 x+12$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The trinomial \(x^{2}+4x+12\) is prime and cannot be factored.
1Step 1: Analyze the trinomial
Our trinomial is \(x^{2}+4x+12\). We need to find two numbers that multiply to give 12 and also add to give 4.
2Step 2: Attempt to factor
It's not possible to find any two numbers that multiply to give 12 and add up to 4. Because of this, the trinomial is considered prime and cannot be factored.
3Step 3: Checking with FOIL
As the trinomial cannot be factored further, there is no need to apply the FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last) method.