| Factorise x² + 2x + 1 and verify the answer |
Reason: |
| = (x + 1)(x + 1) factors |
Factorise means to write the expression using factors. Each factor is put in a bracket. (x + 1) and (x + 1) are chosen because +1 and +1 add to +2 (number in front of the x term, known as the x coefficient) and they multiply to give +1 (the constant). |
| = x(x + 1) + 1(x + 1) |
We can check the factors are correct by multiplying out the brackets. Split the terms in the first bracket so that each multiplies by the second bracket. |
| = x² + 1x + 1x + 1 |
Remove the brackets. |
| = x² + 2x + 1 |
Add the x terms. This is the original expression. |