Question

Factor each expression completely

Answer 1

\((x-2)^2-15(x-2)+56\)

Do I just have to finish like squaring and distributing first then factor?

Answer 2

(a-b)^2=a^2-2ab+b^2

Answer 3

So a here is x and b is 2

Answer 4

huh? oh okay

Answer 5

Ok

Answer 6

I understand now

Answer 7

(x-2)^2=x^2-2(x)(2)+2^2=x^2-4x+4

Answer 8

and now -15(x-2)=-15x+30

Answer 9

\((x-2)^2=x^2-2(x)(2)+2^2=x^2-4x+4\) its easier for me to understand after I put it like this lol :P

Answer 10

wait....I'm confused

Answer 11

So now you have
\[x^2-4x+4-15x+30+56\]

Answer 12

how'd you get the 15x+30+56?

Answer 13

OH! Distributing

Answer 14

Yes. :0

Answer 15

but how's you get \(x^2-4x+4\) out of \((x-2)^2\)?

Answer 16

oh never mind...I'm being stupid lol

Answer 17

Because there is a formula..

Answer 18

you wrote it out as (x-2)(x-2) I just didn't get that at the time lol

Answer 19

\[(a-b)^2=a^2-2ab+b^2\]
and
\[(a+b)^2=a^2+2ab+b^2\]

Answer 20

okay

Answer 21

Those two formulas you should memorize. They are going to be your best friends...

Answer 22

then I just combine like terms?

Answer 23

Exactly. :)

Answer 24

Okay so I get: \(x^2-19x+90\)?

Answer 25

then I factor like normal? Using the box

Answer 26

Yes hwatever method you are comfortable with..

Answer 27

okay.....one second....it'll be a second lol

Answer 28

Yes you get x^2-19x+90

Answer 29

don't I need to get it like (x+_)(x+_)? for factoring completely?

Answer 30

Yes..

Answer 31

okay so I have (x-9)(x-10) correct?

Answer 32

Yes.

Answer 33

okay thank you so much! lol I might have another one if I can't figure it out :/