Question

Is it possible to factor `y=x^2 - 8x + 16`? If so, what are the factors?

Answer 1

`" "y=x^2-8x+16 = (x-4)(x-4)`

Explanation:

Given:`" "y=x^2-8x+16`

Observe that `4xx4 = 16" and "4+4=8`

The `8x` is negative so the `4+4=8" must be "-4-4=-8`
This also works for `(-4)xx(-4)=+16`

`" "y=x^2-8x+16 = (x-4)(x-4)`