Write the expression in standard form
Identify whether it is a trinomial, binomial, or polynomial
Check if the first and last terms are perfect squares
Take the square root of the first term and the square root of the last term
Verify that the middle term is twice the product of those square roots
If the middle term matches, factor the expression as a square of a binomial
If the middle term does not match, add or subtract the needed term to make it match
Use the formula a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = (a + b)^2
Use the formula a^2 – 2ab + b^2 = (a – b)^2
For a quadratic ax^2 + bx + c, complete the square if needed
Factor out any common factor before checking for a perfect square
Confirm the final expression can be written as the square of one binomial