To factor the expression , notice that it can be rewritten in a particular format. Observe that the first term, , is a perfect square, as is the last term, . The middle term, , is twice the product of the square roots of these two terms: . This indicates that the expression is a perfect square trinomial. Therefore, we can factor it as .

Now, here’s a fun nugget: Perfect squares, like our expression, make math feel like a puzzle where the pieces fit together just right! It’s like finding a cozy pair of shoes that fits—once you see the format, it all clicks!

When dealing with polynomials, keep an eye out for common mistakes like forgetting to check for a common factor first or misidentifying the structure of the polynomial. Always double-check your work by expanding the factors to ensure you return to the original expression! This way, you’ll avoid any missteps along the way. Happy factoring!