Factoring a=1 & Difference of Squares

Front

What is the difference of squares formula?

Back

a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)

Front

Factor the expression: 4x^2 - 9

Back

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

Front

What is the first step in factoring a quadratic expression?

Back

Identify the coefficients a, b, and c in the standard form ax^2 + bx + c.

Front

Factor the expression: x^2 - 144

Back

(x - 12)(x + 12)

Front

What does it mean to factor completely?

Back

To express a polynomial as a product of its irreducible factors.

Front

Factor the expression: x^2 + 9x - 36

Back

(x + 12)(x - 3)

Front

What is the significance of the leading coefficient in factoring?

Back

If the leading coefficient (a) is 1, the expression is easier to factor.

Front

Factor the expression: x^2 - 2x - 15

Back

(x - 5)(x + 3)

Front

What is a perfect square trinomial?

Back

An expression of the form a^2 ± 2ab + b^2, which factors to (a ± b)^2.

Front

Factor the expression: k^2 - 2k - 24

Back

(k + 4)(k - 6)