88.0k views
2 votes
Factor this polynomial completely.

x2 - 6x + 9
O A. (x+3)(x + 3)
OB. (x+3)(x-3)
O C. Does not factor
O D. (x - 3)(x-3)

User Alex
by
7.0k points

1 Answer

0 votes

Answer: D. (x-3)(x-3)

==========================================================

Step-by-step explanation:

The last term is 9 and the middle coefficient is -6.

We need to find two numbers that multiply to the last term, and also add to the middle coefficient.

Through trial and error, you should find the two numbers -3 and -3

-3 plus -3 = -6

-3 times -3 = 9

Those two values directly lead to the factorization (x-3)(x-3)

We can FOIL out (x-3)(x-3) to get x^2-6x+9 to help confirm the answer. Distribution works as well. The box method is a visual way to do it also.

User Teller
by
7.6k points