A General Note: Perfect Square Trinomials A perfect square trinomial can be written as the square of a binomial:
a2+2ab + b2=(a + b)2
and
a2-2ab +b2= (a - b)2
The factoring techniques of grouping or trial and error still work on perfect square trinomials
Given a perfect square trinomial, factor the trinomial into the square of a
binomial.
1. Confirm that the first term and third term are perfect squares.
2. Confirm the middle term is equal to 2ab.
3. Write the trinomial in the factored form (a + b)? or (a - b) based upon
the sign of the middle term.