Question #96c10

1 Answer
Helen D.
Sep 19, 2017

this equation can indeed be factored into (x + 2)(x + 2)

Explanation:

A quadratic equation can only be factored if #b^2 -4ac# is a perfect square.
in this example
a = 1
b = 4 and
c = 4

so #b^2 -4ac = 4^2-4(1)(4)# = 0
0 is a perfect square

So the equation can be factored.
(x + 2)(x +2) = 0 has solution only where x + 2 = 0
this occurs where x = -2
We call this a double root because both factors are identical. If you were to plot the graph of y = #x^2 -4x +4# , you would find that the upwards pointing parabola has a minimum ( and tangent) point at (-2 ,0)

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