3-3 Part 1: Difference of Squares

Front

What is the Difference of Squares?

Back

The Difference of Squares is a mathematical identity that states: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). It applies when you have a square term subtracted from another square term.

Front

Factor the expression: 4x² - 9

Back

(2x + 3)(2x - 3)

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 9

Back

(x + 3)(x - 3)

Front

Factor the expression: x² - 25

Back

(x + 5)(x - 5)

Front

Factor the expression: 49x² - 16

Back

(7x + 4)(7x - 4)

Front

Factor the expression: 4x² - 25

Back

(2x + 5)(2x - 5)

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

A perfect square trinomial is an expression that can be factored into the square of a binomial, such as a² + 2ab + b² = (a + b)².

Front

What is the first step in factoring a difference of squares?

Back

Identify the two square terms in the expression and rewrite them as a² - b².

Front

Can the expression 2x² - 8 be factored using the difference of squares?

Back

No, it can be factored as 2(x² - 4), which is a difference of squares, but it is not in the form of a difference of squares itself.

Front

What is the general form of a difference of squares?

Back

a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b) where a and b are real numbers.