Factor the expression below.

a. (x - 5)(x - 5)

b. (x + 5)(x + 5)

c. (x - 5)(x + 5)

d. 5(x2 - x + 5)

A. (x - 5)(x - 5)

Step-by-step explanation:

We will do this the old fashioned way...just plain old factoring.  

This polynomial is of the form

The product of a and c have to add up to equal the "middle" term, -10.  

a = 1, b = -10, c = 25

a * c = 1 * 25 = 25

Now we need the factors of 25 to find the combination of factors that will result in a -10.  The factors of 25 are: 1, 25 and 5, 5

5 and 5 add up to be 10, but since we need a -10, we will use -5 and -5.  The product of -5 * -5 = 25, so we are not messing anything up by using the negative 5.

Putting them in order in standard form we have

Factor by grouping:

There is an x common to both terms in the first set of parenthesis, so we will factor that out; there is a 5 common to both terms in the second set of parenthesis, so we will factor that out:

x(x - 5) - 5(x - 5)

NOW what's common in both terms is the (x - 5) so we factor THAT out, and what's left gets grouped together:

(x - 5)(x - 5)

what is the original number? you forgot to add it.

set each factor equal to 0

4x-3 = 0

2x-1 = 0

solve for x.

4x-3=0

4x=3

x= 3/4

solve for x. 

2x-1= 0

2x= 1

x= 1/2

your answer should be 1/2 is less than or equal to x and 3/4 is greater than or equal to x