Factoring Trinomials

J_Barber

New member
Joined
Jun 7, 2013
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17
I am trying to factor a trinomial and am having issues when I get close to the end.

this is how I am working it

t2 + 8t + 16 [t2 x 16 = 16] [4 + 4 = 8]
t2 + 4t + 4t +16
t(t+4) 4(t + 4)

This is where I get lost. Is the answer (t + 4)2 If not where am I going wrong?
 
I am trying to factor a trinomial and am having issues when I get close to the end.

this is how I am working it

t2 + 8t + 16 [t2 x 16 = 16] [4 + 4 = 8]
t2 + 4t + 4t +16
t(t+4) + 4(t + 4) = (t+4)*(t+4) = (t+4)2

This is where I get lost. Is the answer (t + 4)2 ..... Yes ....... If not where am I going wrong?
.
 
Is the answer (t + 4)2


Do you know the FOIL method for multiplying two binomial expressions?

If you've learned how to multiply (t+4)(t+4), then you could do that to check your answer.

In other words, verify whether the product (t+4)^2 equals t^2+8t+16.

If it does, then your answer must be correct. :cool:
 
Sure do and I did and it was correct! :)

Just not confident enought to trust the answers I get.
 
t2 + 4t + 4t +16
t(t+4) 4(t + 4)

This is where I get lost.... where am I going wrong?
You're dropping the symbol ("plus" or "minus") in the middle. In doing that, you've lost track of what's going on, and the last step becomes impossible. Leave that sign in, and you should be fine! ;)
 
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