SOLUTION: Please help me factor this equation. Thank you. {{{(a+4)^2-2(a+4)+1}}}

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Please help me factor this equation. Thank you. {{{(a+4)^2-2(a+4)+1}}}      Log On


   

Question 206551This question is from textbook Introductory Algebra
: Please help me factor this equation. Thank you.
%28a%2B4%29%5E2-2%28a%2B4%29%2B1 This question is from textbook Introductory Algebra

Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, stanbon:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Please help me factor this equation. Thank you.
%28a%2B4%29%5E2-2%28a%2B4%29%2B1
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Since there's no equal sign, it's not an equation. That's good, tho, since we don't factor equations.
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%28a%2B4%29%5E2-2%28a%2B4%29%2B1
= %28%28a%2B4%29+-+1%29%5E2
= %28a-3%29%5E2

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
factor this equation. Thank you.
(a+4)^2-2(a+4)+1
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Let x = a+4
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Substitute:
x^2 -2x + 1
Factor:
(x-1)(x-1)
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Substitute:
(a+4-1)(a+4-1)
= (a+3)(a+3)
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Cheers,
Stan H.