MathDB
Factoring a Trinomial

Source:

February 1, 2009

Problem Statement

The expression 21x^2 \plus{} ax \plus{} 21 is to be factored into two linear prime binomial factors with integer coefficients. This can be one if a a is: <spanclass=latexbold>(A)</span> any odd number<spanclass=latexbold>(B)</span> some odd number<spanclass=latexbold>(C)</span> any even number <span class='latex-bold'>(A)</span>\ \text{any odd number} \qquad<span class='latex-bold'>(B)</span>\ \text{some odd number} \qquad<span class='latex-bold'>(C)</span>\ \text{any even number} <spanclass=latexbold>(D)</span> some even number<spanclass=latexbold>(E)</span> zero <span class='latex-bold'>(D)</span>\ \text{some even number} \qquad<span class='latex-bold'>(E)</span>\ \text{zero}