Question

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

Answer 1

`-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.