How do I factor 25x^2 + 10x + 4

Question

I'm a little confused on the combining of factors part. 

Answer 1

How do I factor 25x^2 + 10x + 4

you can get the square as follows

25X² + 10X + 1 + 4 -1

(5X+1)² +3

This is the answer

Answer 2

Jay,

 

Try re-writing this as (5 x)² + 10 x = 2² .   It's a little easier to see then that what you have is:

 

(5·x + 2)² = (5·x + 2)x(5·x = 2)

 

Oops . . . sorry, should have checked my work!

 

Thanks to Francisco for saving the day.