factoring a problem

[Guest]

i dont understand how to factor this problem

2
x +4x+4 that is x squared

 

[tkhunny]

Set it up...

(x + _______)*(x + ______)

Fill in the blanks. There are only a few factors of 4 to try.

4 = 1*4
4 = 2*2

Try 1 and 4
Try 2 and 2

Multiply back out and see what you get.

 

[Guest]

okay so i got

(x+1) (x+4) how do i know if i got the right answer?

 

[tkhunny]

okay so i got

(x+1) (x+4) how do i know if i got the right answer?

(x+1)*(x+4) = x² + 5x + 4 -- Nope. Try again.

 

[Guest]

now i understand it


(x+2) (x+2) is that right

 

[tkhunny]

You tell me. Multiply it out and see what you get.

 

[Guest]

2
x + 4x+4

 

[tkhunny]

So, ... is that right?

 

[Guest]

yes

 

[tkhunny]

Good call.