Question

Factor the polynomial.
b^2 + 4b + 4

Answer 1

(b + 2)(b + 2)

Explanation:

Factor the polynomial.

b^2 + 4b + 4

Sum of 4 which product is 4

Sum: 1 + 3 = 4

2 + 2 = 4

Product: 1 × 4 = 4

2 × 2 = 4

We use 2 × 2 because it sum is the same as the product of 4. Because 2 and 4 are perfect square so we have:

b² + 4b + 4 splitted as

(b + 2)(b + 2) or (b + 2)²

Answer 2

(b + 2)^2

Explanation:

b^2 + 4b + 4

It's perfect square: a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = (a + b)^2

So

b^2 + 4b + 4 = (b + 2)^2