Difference of Two Squares

Front

What is the Difference of Two Squares?

Back

The Difference of Two Squares is a mathematical identity that states: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). It applies to any two squares.

Front

Factor x² - 9

Back

(x + 3)(x - 3)

Front

Factor 121x² - 49

Back

(11x + 7)(11x - 7)

Front

Factor x² - 16

Back

(x + 4)(x - 4)

Front

Factor 4y² - 9

Back

(2y + 3)(2y - 3)

Front

Factor 4x² - 25

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Identify the two perfect squares in the expression.

Front

What are examples of perfect squares?

Back

1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, etc. (These are squares of integers: 1², 2², 3², etc.)

Front

How do you recognize a difference of two squares?

Back

An expression is a difference of two squares if it is in the form a² - b².

Front

What is the factored form of a² - b²?

Back

(a + b)(a - b)