To factor out a common factor from the expression [tex]\(a^2 + b^2\)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Identify the expression: Here, the given expression is [tex]\(a^2 + b^2\)[/tex].
2. Check for any common factors: In this case, both terms [tex]\(a^2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(b^2\)[/tex] do not have any common factors. Each term is a square of a distinct variable, and they do not share any factor other than 1.
3. Factor the expression: Since [tex]\(a^2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(b^2\)[/tex] do not have a common factor other than 1, the expression [tex]\(a^2 + b^2\)[/tex] remains as it is, i.e., it cannot be factored further.
Thus, the expression [tex]\(a^2 + b^2\)[/tex] does not have a common factor that can be factored out, and it remains [tex]\(a^2 + b^2\)[/tex].
