The given expression appears to represent a quadratic equation, written...

The given expression appears to represent a quadratic equation, written as:

2b² - 18b + 40

The goal is to factor it completely. Here's what the code or expression does step by step:

1. Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF): The GCF of the terms 2b², -18b, and 40 is 2. Factor 2 out of the entire expression:

   2(b² - 9b + 20)
   

2. Factorize the quadratic inside the parentheses: The quadratic b² - 9b + 20 needs to be factored. To do this:

   • Find two numbers that multiply to 20 (the constant term) and add up to -9 (the coefficient of b).
   • These numbers are -5 and -4. So, the quadratic can be factored as:

     b² - 9b + 20 = (b - 5)(b - 4)
     

3. Combine everything: Substitute back into the expression:

   2(b - 5)(b - 4)
   

Thus, the fully factored form of the given quadratic is:

2(b - 5)(b - 4)