Question

Can someone explain to me how
x^2+8x+16
equals (x+4)(x+4)?
I don't really understand factoring :\

Answer 1

Well, because (x+4)(x+4) = x^2 + 4x + 4x + 16 = x^2 + 8x + 16.

Distribute the terms and multiply.

Answer 2

notice how if you break down the middle term...

x^2 + 4x + 4x + 16

then factor out...

x(x+ 4) + 4(x+4)

then factor out again...

(x+4)(x+4)

you have that :D

Answer 3

aww @GT was too fast hahaha

Answer 4

You can also look at the constant 16 and say what "factors" of 16 add up to 8 (the coefficient of x term). Turns out +4 and +4 do. So, the factors are (x+4) and (x+4).

Answer 5

Thank you to both :)
Your explanations really helped.