Question

Explain, in complete sentences, whether or not the polynomial x^2 – 16x + 64 fits one of the special patterns and, if so, which one. Explain how the polynomial is factored.

Answer 1

Yes.
(x - 8) ^ 2

Answer 2

um not sure what the special patterns are but to factor this you find 2 numbers which multiply to 64 and add to -16, in this case -8 and -8 do this, so you seperate the x^2 term and throw in the -8's like so
\[(x-8)(x-8)\]
this can be factored further to \[(x-8)^2\]