Factoring a trinomial like x² + 5x + 6 looks like a guess. It's not. It's a game with a cheat code.

The Setup: You have three terms. Your goal is to find the two original binomials that multiplied to create it.

The Cheat Code: You need two mystery numbers. These two numbers MUST multiply to the last term (6)...

...AND those same two numbers MUST add up to the middle term's coefficient (5).

Let's play. What two numbers multiply to 6? (1,6) or (2,3).

Now, which of those pairs adds up to 5? Only (2,3).

You've found them. The cheat code is 2 and 3.

The answer is simply (x + 2)(x + 3). You've reversed time. You've won the game.

This isn't guessing. It's a logical puzzle, a two-part test that only has one right answer.

You have the cheat code. Now go beat any trinomial they throw at you.