How do you do this problem I am stuck?

Question

Wtire in simplest form x^2-2x+1 over x-1

I am not sure how to factor the top I keep getting stuck. Please can somebody help me.

Answer 1

this is how to factor x^2 - 2x + 1
what two numbers multiply to 1 and add up to -2??
-1 and -1
so it is
(x-1)(x-1)

so the problem becomes
(x-1)(x-1)
________
(x-1)

so the (x-1) from the bottom can cancel out with one of the (x-1) on top

answer
x-1

Answer 2

You should recognize x^2 - 2x + 1 as a perfect square,

(x - 1)^2

Divide this by x - 1, and you are left with x - 1

Answer 3

First you must state that x does not = 1.

Now x^2-2x+1 = (x-1)^2, so...

(x-1)^2/(x-1) = x-1

Answer 4

x^2-2x+1 = (x-1)^2
so the answer is x-1...since 1 x-1 will cancel on top and bottom

Answer 5

You will have to use the quadratic formula for the numerator because it doesn't factor out. Remember, x = negative b, + or - square root, b2 - 4ac / 2a....

Answer 6

easy

its (x-1)(x-1)
______________
x-1

and that is like (2) x (2)
over 2

one set of twos cancel each other

and you are left with x-1 for your answer