Question

Factor the perfect square trinomial 25x^2-60x+36

Answer 1

Since it is a perfect square trinomial, it is of the form:

a^2x^2-2abx+b^2 which simplifies to (ax-b)^2

Therefore:

sqrt(a)=sqrt(25)=5

sqrt(b)=sqrt(36)=6

Plug in a and b:

(ax-b)^2

(5x-6)^2

Test to make sure it did fit the formula:

-2abx=-60   (where x is 1)

-2(5)(6)=-60

-2(30)=-60

-60=-60

Answer:

(5x-6)^2