Question 42489
If you need a detailed solution on how to factor trinomials such as this, see my three (3) recently posted Lesson Plans in algebra.com under the topic of Quadratic Equations:


"More Factoring in Living Color in Quadratic_Equations."
"Factoring Difference of Squares in Living Color in Quadratic_Equations."  
"Factoring Trinomials in Living Color in Quadratic_Equations. "


To solve the current problem, {{{ 9a^2 - 24ab + 16b^2}}} start with the first times first, which is probably 3a*3a
{{{(3a_____)(3a_____) }}}


Next look at the last term, which has to be a 16b^2.  This is probably a 4b*4b.
{{{ (3a___4b)*(3a___4b) }}}


Next, since the last term is positive, the signs must be the SAME.  Since the middle term is -24ab, the signs must be NEGATIVE.
{{{ (3a-4b)*(3a-4b) = (3a-4b)^2}}}


R^2 at SCC