Question

identify binomial second-term factors for a2-7ab+10b2

Answer 1

To factor the expression, we are looking for two factors in the form:
(_a + _b)(_a + _b)
These multiply together to give you your expanded form. Because the a^2 has a coefficient of 1, it can be simplified to finding:
(a + _b)(a + _b)
Where both coefficients on a are 1. This factors like a single variable expression:
x^2 - 7x + 10