Question

Factorize x^2+4x+4
I'm clueless. The formula, a^2+2ab+b^2=(a+b)^2, doesn't help either.

Answer 1

you need 2 numbers a and b where a* b = +4 and a + b = + 4
can you find them?

Answer 2

the factors will be in the form
(x + a)(x + b)

Answer 3

a and b may be different values but also can be the same.

Answer 4

So a and b = 2?

Answer 5

right

Answer 6

so the factors are (x + 2)(x + 2)
or we can write that as (x + 2)^2

Answer 7

Right, thanks. I think I probably get it now. Maybe. :P

Answer 8

lol - yw - practice some and it will stick.
eg x^2 + 5x + 6

here ab = 6 and a + b = 5

what fits ??

a=2 and b = 3
so its
(x + 2)(x + 3)

Answer 9

So, a*b has to equal 6, and a+b has to equal 5. a=3 and b=2 fits.
Therefore, the answer is (x+3)(x+2).

Thanks. :) I'll come up with more similar problems and solve them. I think I get the fundamental train of thought and what not now. You've been most helpful, thank you very much! (:

Answer 10

yw