In general, if you need to factor a quadratic, here's the safest way to think about it.
1. Put the quadratic in order, making sure that the coefficient of x^2 is 1: x^2 + b x + c = 0.
2. Look at the middle coefficient (b) and the last coefficient (c).
3. Find two numbers that multiply together to create c, and add together to create b.
4. Those two numbers represent the two question marks in the factored quadratic: (x + ?)(x + ?) = 0.
So, if we use the example you gave:
(x^2 - 2x + 1)
You'll
...
1. Put the quadratic in order, making sure that the coefficient of x^2 is 1: x^2 + b x + c = 0.
2. Look at the middle coefficient (b) and the last coefficient (c).
3. Find two numbers that multiply together to create c, and add together to create b.
4. Those two numbers represent the two question marks in the factored quadratic: (x + ?)(x + ?) = 0.
So, if we use the example you gave:
(x^2 - 2x + 1)
You'll
...
