Factoring the Expression (x - 2y)^2 - 4(x - 2y)y + 4y^2
This expression appears to be a perfect square trinomial, which means it can be factored into the square of a binomial. Let's break down the process:
1. Recognize the Pattern:
- First term: (x - 2y)^2 is a perfect square
- Last term: 4y^2 is also a perfect square (2y)^2
- Middle term: -4(x - 2y)y is twice the product of the square roots of the first and last terms.
2. Factor the Expression:
Based on the pattern, we can factor the expression as follows:
(x - 2y)^2 - 4(x - 2y)y + 4y^2 = [(x - 2y) - 2y]^2
3. Simplify:
Simplifying the expression further, we get:
[(x - 2y) - 2y]^2 = (x - 4y)^2
Therefore, the factored form of the expression (x - 2y)^2 - 4(x - 2y)y + 4y^2 is (x - 4y)^2.