Chapter 1: Problem 107
Factor the expression completely. $$4 x^{2}+4 x y+y^{2}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expression factors to \((2x + y)^2\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the expression structure
Recognize that the expression is a quadratic trinomial of the form \[ ax^2 + bxy + cy^2 \], where \( a = 4 \), \( b = 4 \), and \( c = 1 \). This suggests a perfect square trinomial, which has the form \((px + qy)^2\).
02
Check for perfect square trinomial
A perfect square trinomial has the form \[ (px + qy)^2 = p^2x^2 + 2pqxy + q^2y^2 \].For our expression, compare coefficients:1. \( a = p^2 = 4 \) which gives \( p = 2 \).2. \( 2pq = 4 \) plugging in \( p = 2 \) gives \( q = 1 \).3. \( c = q^2 = 1 \) checks out with \( q = 1 \).
03
Factor using the perfect square formula
Since all conditions for a perfect square trinomial are met, factor the expression as \[ (2x + y)^2 \].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Perfect Square Trinomial
A perfect square trinomial is a special type of expression that can be written as the square of a binomial. The form it typically takes is \( (px + qy)^2 \). This means the expression can be expanded into \( p^2x^2 + 2pqxy + q^2y^2 \).
To check if an expression is a perfect square trinomial, one must look for a pattern:
In our original problem, recognizing the structure \( 4x^2 + 4xy + y^2 \) as \( p^2x^2 + 2pqxy + q^2y^2 \) enables us to apply this method and factor the expression as \( (2x + y)^2 \).
To check if an expression is a perfect square trinomial, one must look for a pattern:
- Check if the first and last terms are perfect squares.
- Examine if the middle term is twice the product of the square roots of the first and last terms.
In our original problem, recognizing the structure \( 4x^2 + 4xy + y^2 \) as \( p^2x^2 + 2pqxy + q^2y^2 \) enables us to apply this method and factor the expression as \( (2x + y)^2 \).
Quadratic Expression
Quadratic expressions are polynomials of the second degree. These expressions can be written in the general form \( ax^2 + bxy + cy^2 \) when dealing with two variables. The 'quadratic' signifies that the highest degree of the variable in the expression is two.
Understanding the role of each term:
In the original exercise, the expression \( 4x^2 + 4xy + y^2 \) is a classic quadratic where the distinct variables play crucial roles in revealing the expression's true form.
Understanding the role of each term:
- The \( ax^2 \) term is known as the quadratic term.
- The \( bxy \) term is the interaction between \( x \) and \( y \).
- The \( cy^2 \) is the constant or constant term.
In the original exercise, the expression \( 4x^2 + 4xy + y^2 \) is a classic quadratic where the distinct variables play crucial roles in revealing the expression's true form.
Coefficient Comparison
Coefficient comparison is a crucial technique in algebra, particularly when working with quadratic expressions to identify structural patterns. This involves analyzing and matching the coefficients from a given expression to a known form.
For the expression \( ax^2 + bxy + cy^2 \), consider:
In the step-by-step solution provided, this method was applied to determine \( p = 2 \) and \( q = 1 \), thus supporting the factorization of the expression \( 4x^2 + 4xy + y^2 \) as \( (2x + y)^2 \).
For the expression \( ax^2 + bxy + cy^2 \), consider:
- The \( a = p^2 \), which gives the coefficient of the \( x^2 \) term.
- The \( 2pq = b \), the coefficient of the \( xy \) term.
- Lastly, \( c = q^2 \), providing the coefficient of the \( y^2 \) term.
In the step-by-step solution provided, this method was applied to determine \( p = 2 \) and \( q = 1 \), thus supporting the factorization of the expression \( 4x^2 + 4xy + y^2 \) as \( (2x + y)^2 \).