Chapter 5: Problem 74
Use a substitution to help factor each expression. See Example 10. $$ (a+b)^{2}-2(a+b)+1 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expression \((a+b)^2 - 2(a+b) + 1\) factors into \((a+b-1)^2\).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize Substitution Opportunity
First, we notice that the expression \((a+b)^2 - 2(a+b) + 1\) has a repeated term \(a+b\). This suggests that a substitution can simplify the expression. Let's set \(u = a + b\). This simplifies our problem to: \(u^2 - 2u + 1\).
02
Substitute and Simplify
Substitute \(u = a + b\) into the expression, which gives us \(u^2 - 2u + 1\). This new expression is in terms of a single variable \(u\).
03
Recognize the Perfect Square
The expression \(u^2 - 2u + 1\) resembles a perfect square trinomial, which can be factored as \((u-1)^2\).
04
Substitute Back
Now substitute back the original expression of \(u\), which is \(a+b\). Therefore, \((u-1)^2 = ((a+b)-1)^2 = (a+b-1)^2\).
05
Final Factored Form
The original expression \((a+b)^2 - 2(a+b) + 1\) can now be expressed as \((a+b-1)^2\), which is its fully factored form.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a powerful technique used to simplify complex algebraic expressions by temporarily replacing part of the expression with a single variable. The idea is to create a simpler form that is easier to work with and then revert back to the original terms once the simplification is complete.
- Identify Repeated Terms: Look for terms that appear more than once in the expression. These are good candidates for substitution.
- Assign a Variable: Replace the repeated term with a single variable, often denoted as "u" to simplify the expression.
- Simplify: Operate on the simpler expression to find an easier solution or form.
- Re-substitute: Once simplified, replace the variable back with the original terms to find your solution.
Perfect Square Trinomial
A perfect square trinomial is a special form of a quadratic expression that can be written as the square of a binomial. Recognizing perfect squares is the key to factoring these trinomials effectively.
A trinomial with the form \((ax)^2 + 2abx + b^2\) or \((ax)^2 - 2abx + b^2\) can be factored as \((ax + b)^2\) or \((ax - b)^2\), respectively. Here's a breakdown:
A trinomial with the form \((ax)^2 + 2abx + b^2\) or \((ax)^2 - 2abx + b^2\) can be factored as \((ax + b)^2\) or \((ax - b)^2\), respectively. Here's a breakdown:
- Standard Form: Look for expressions that fit the form \(x^2 \pm 2xy + y^2\), which are recognizable perfect squares.
- Factorization: The expression can be directly rewritten as the square of a binomial.
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions represent a combination of numbers, variables, and operational symbols. They are a fundamental aspect of algebra and understanding how to manipulate these is crucial for problem-solving.
- Components: Elements like constants, variables, and coefficients come together to form expressions.
- Operations: Expressions can involve addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation.
- Simplification and Factoring: These processes help in making expressions easier to work with, by reducing them to simpler forms or finding equivalent expressions.