(x-2y)2-6(x-2y)+5

2 min read Jun 17, 2024
(x-2y)2-6(x-2y)+5

Factoring the Expression (x-2y)² - 6(x-2y) + 5

This expression can be factored using a substitution method and the knowledge of factoring quadratic equations.

Step 1: Substitution

Let's substitute u = (x-2y). This simplifies our expression to:

u² - 6u + 5

Step 2: Factoring the Quadratic Expression

Now, we have a standard quadratic expression. We need to find two numbers that:

  • Multiply to give 5 (the constant term)
  • Add to give -6 (the coefficient of the middle term)

The numbers -1 and -5 satisfy these conditions:

  • (-1) * (-5) = 5
  • (-1) + (-5) = -6

Therefore, we can factor the quadratic as:

(u - 1)(u - 5)

Step 3: Back-Substitution

Now, substitute back (x-2y) for u:

[(x-2y) - 1] [(x-2y) - 5]

Step 4: Simplify

Simplify the expression:

(x - 2y - 1)(x - 2y - 5)

Final Answer:

The factored form of the expression (x-2y)² - 6(x-2y) + 5 is (x - 2y - 1)(x - 2y - 5).

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