Identify GCF: Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms.The GCF of 5x4, 20x3, and 20x2 is 5x2.
Factor out GCF: Factor out the GCF from each term.5x4−20x3+20x2=5x2(x2−4x+4)
Recognize quadratic trinomial: Recognize that the expression inside the parentheses is a quadratic trinomial. We need to determine if the quadratic trinomial (x2−4x+4) can be factored further.
Factor quadratic trinomial: Factor the quadratic trinomial.The quadratic trinomial x2−4x+4 is a perfect square trinomial because (2)2=4 and 2×2=4.It factors into (x−2)2.
Write completely factored form: Write the completely factored form of the original expression.5x4−20x3+20x2=5x2(x−2)2