Example

Factoring 9y2+24y+169y^2 + 24y + 16

Factor the trinomial 9y2+24y+169y^2 + 24y + 16 by applying the perfect square trinomials pattern.

Step 1: Check if the trinomial fits the perfect square pattern a2+2ab+b2a^2 + 2ab + b^2.

  • Is the first term a perfect square? Yes: 9y2=(3y)29y^2 = (3y)^2, so a=3ya = 3y.
  • Is the last term a perfect square? Yes: 16=4216 = 4^2, so b=4b = 4.
  • Is the middle term 2ab2ab? Check: 23y4=24y2 \cdot 3y \cdot 4 = 24y. Yes, the middle term matches.

Step 2: Write the expression as the square of a binomial. Because the middle term is positive, use the pattern (a+b)2(a + b)^2: 9y2+24y+16=(3y+4)29y^2 + 24y + 16 = (3y + 4)^2

Step 3: Check by multiplying: (3y+4)2=(3y)2+2(3y)(4)+42=9y2+24y+16(3y + 4)^2 = (3y)^2 + 2(3y)(4) + 4^2 = 9y^2 + 24y + 16

The factored form is (3y+4)2(3y + 4)^2.

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Updated 2026-04-29

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