Question

Factor:
(a^2)(x^2) + 2abx + b^2 - 4(a^2)(b^2)(x^2)

Answer 1

\[(a^2)(x^2) + 2abx + b^2 - 4(a^2)(b^2)(x^2)\]

Answer 2

@TurtleMatt

(a^2)(x^2) + 2abx + b^2 - 4(a^2)(b^2)(x^2)
can be, I think, factored by grouping the terms so that the first three will form a perfect square trinomial minus the fourth term, a perfect square.
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(a^2)(x^2) + 2abx + b^2 - 4(a^2)(b^2)(x^2)=

[(a^2)(x^2) + 2abx + b^2] - [2abx]^2 =

[ (ax + b) ] ^2 - [2abx]^2 = ?

Hint: Use the difference of two squares factoring pattern next.