# Factoring the polynomial $2x^2 - 2x + 2$

I saw in my book that $2x^2 - 2x + 2$ factored became $2(x^2 - x + 1)$.

Why it does not became $2(x(x - 1) + 1)$? Is it wrong or correct as well?

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Yes, it's true that $x(x-1)+1 = x^2 - x + 1$. However, when we think about "factoring", we think about the factors (thing being multiplied), so we don't think of $x(x-1)+1$ as different from $x^2-x+1$.

(Just like if we say "factor $77$", we can write $77 = 7\times 11$ or $77 = 7\times(10+1)$, but we don't really like to write $11$ as $10+1$ when thinking about factors because what we are interested in is the factor.)

Writing $x^2-x+1$ as $x(x-1)+1$ is not that helpful in this situation.

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so, say, in a test that asks to fatoring this expression, it would not be wrong? –  Tom Brito Feb 1 '11 at 23:09
@Tom Brito: What your grader considers right or wrong is not for me to question or make a guess about. You'll have to consult her (or him). –  Arturo Magidin Feb 2 '11 at 2:19
thanks. –  Tom Brito Feb 2 '11 at 12:22