Recognize: Recognize the expression as a difference of squares. The given expression is a difference of two squares because it has the form a2−b2, where a is (x+1) and b is (2x+5).
Apply formula: Apply the difference of squares formula.The difference of squares formula is a2−b2=(a+b)(a−b). We will apply this formula to the expression (x+1)2−(2x+5)2.
Substitute a and b: Substitute a and b into the formula.Let a=(x+1) and b=(2x+5). Then, according to the formula, we have:((x+1)+(2x+5))((x+1)−(2x+5))
Simplify factors: Simplify each factor.First factor: (x+1)+(2x+5)=x+1+2x+5=3x+6Second factor: (x+1)−(2x+5)=x+1−2x−5=−x−4
Write final form: Write the final factored form.The completely factored form of the expression is (3x+6)(−x−4).