Step 1: Factorize the expression x2+2xy+y2−a2.
Recognize the first three terms as a perfect square trinomial: x2+2xy+y2=(x+y)2.
The expression becomes:
(x+y)2−a2
This is a difference of squares, A2−B2=(A−B)(A+B), where A=(x+y) and B=a.
(x+y−a)(x+y+a)
The factored form is (x+y−a)(x+y+a).
Step 2: Factorize the expression