Factor

To factor the expression , we can look for two numbers that multiply to (the constant term) and add up to (the coefficient of ). Those numbers are and . Therefore, we can write the expression as:

And there you have it! The expression factors neatly into .

Now, did you know that this expression is actually a perfect square trinomial? Perfect square trinomials have the structure , and in our case, and . It’s a nice little pattern that helps speed up factoring!

Factoring is not just a math exercise; it has applications in various fields, including physics and engineering! For instance, when analyzing the motion of objects or calculating stress in materials, understanding polynomial expressions and their factors can lead to clearer solutions and better designs. It’s all about breaking down complex problems into simpler, manageable parts!