How do you factor the expression #-v²+2v-1#?

1 Answer
Bronwyn B.
Apr 12, 2018

#-1(v-1)^2#

Explanation:

1) First, factor out a -1. (Keep in mind this will change all signs in the equation, not just the first one.)
#-1(v^2-2v+1)#
2) To get a negative number in the center, and a positive on the outer, you'll need two negative numbers. The only way to get -2 from from +1 is -1x-1.
#-1(v-1)(v-1)#
3) Simplified as
#-1(v-1)^2#
4) There is no = so it cannot be solved farther.

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