Factoring a Perfect Square Trinomial
The expression (9x - 1)² + (1 - 5x)² + 2(9x - 1)(1 - 5x) appears to be complex, but it can be simplified by recognizing its pattern. This expression is a perfect square trinomial, which is a special type of trinomial that results from squaring a binomial.
Here's how to identify and factor this expression:
1. Recognizing the Pattern:
The pattern of a perfect square trinomial is:
(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b² or (a - b)² = a² - 2ab + b²
In our expression, we have:
- (9x - 1)²: This is the square of the first term (a²).
- (1 - 5x)²: This is the square of the second term (b²).
- 2(9x - 1)(1 - 5x): This is twice the product of the first and second terms (2ab).
2. Applying the Pattern:
Let's substitute a = (9x - 1) and b = (1 - 5x) into the perfect square trinomial pattern:
(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
(9x - 1 + 1 - 5x)² = (9x - 1)² + 2(9x - 1)(1 - 5x) + (1 - 5x)²
3. Simplifying the Expression:
Now, we can simplify the expression:
(4x)² = (9x - 1)² + 2(9x - 1)(1 - 5x) + (1 - 5x)²
**(4x)² = (9x - 1)² + (1 - 5x)² + 2(9x - 1)(1 - 5x)
Therefore, the factored form of the expression (9x - 1)² + (1 - 5x)² + 2(9x - 1)(1 - 5x) is (4x)².
Important Note: Recognizing patterns like this can significantly simplify algebraic expressions and make solving equations easier.